Aerial Unit with Flexible Cable for Rapid Payload Elevation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing height observation and signaling equipment systems, such as observation cameras, require heavy-duty vehicles for support due to significant wind pressure and have inefficient lifting processes that are time-consuming and require skilled operators, with masts suffering from instability and large size.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a ground unit with a takeoff and landing platform, a connecting element manipulator, and a fold and unfold unit that allows the aerial unit to adjust its length and footprint, enabling automatic and efficient deployment and folding, using a flexible cable for support and reducing the need for heavy vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a rigid metal mast is used to support observation equipment at high altitude, then the equipment can be positioned at the desired height, but the system requires heavy-duty vehicles and large base construction to support the significant wind pressure and moments generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid metal mast with a flexible cable system. The cable is suspended from a balloon or airship that provides buoyant force to hold the observation equipment at the desired altitude. This flexible cable approach eliminates the need for heavy rigid mast structures and large base constructions, significantly reducing the weight requirements while still achieving the goal of positioning equipment at high altitude.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a balloon or airship filled with lighter-than-air gas (helium or hot air) to provide upward buoyant force that counteracts the weight of the observation equipment and the cable. This anti-weight principle replaces the need for heavy base construction and rigid masts, allowing the system to achieve high altitude positioning with minimal ground support structure.
2Length of stationary object
If traditional lifting methods using masts and balloons are used, then equipment can be elevated to high altitude, but the process is time-consuming and requires highly trained operators and team work
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a system where the balloon or airship automatically rises to the desired altitude and the observation equipment is automatically positioned on the cable without requiring manual handling or complex team operations. The automated nature of the system eliminates the need for highly trained operators and reduces the time required for deployment compared to traditional methods.
3Length of stationary object
If a rigid mast structure is used for height observation, then the equipment can be supported at high altitude, but the system has poor stability and requires heavy-duty construction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a balloon or airship that provides continuous upward buoyant force to counteract the weight of the observation equipment and cable. This dynamic balance provides superior stability compared to rigid mast structures, as the buoyant force automatically adjusts to compensate for wind and other external forces, eliminating the need for heavy-duty base construction while maintaining or improving system stability.
4Length of stationary object
If traditional observation systems with rigid masts are used, then equipment can be positioned at high altitude, but the system is complex and requires heavy vehicles for support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex rigid mast and heavy vehicle support system with a simple flexible cable suspended from a balloon or airship. This flexible cable system is much simpler in design and operation, eliminating the need for heavy-duty vehicles, complex base constructions, and highly trained operators, while still achieving the capability to position observation equipment at high altitude.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system allows for rapid and stable deployment of observation equipment, reducing the need for heavy vehicles and enabling easy handling, with the aerial unit capable of lifting payloads of 1 to 5 kilos to heights of up to 30 meters in approximately 10 seconds, while minimizing noise and heat emission.
Implementation Method 1
The cable is suspended from a balloon or airship that provides buoyant force to hold the observation equipment at the desired altitude
Data Source
AI summary
A system that includes a ground unit that includes: a takeoff and landing platform; a landing and takeoff assisting module; and a housing. The takeoff and landing platform is arranged to hold and support an aerial unit during a first part of a landing process of the aerial unit and a first part of takeoff process of the aerial unit. The aerial unit is coupled to the ground unit via a connecting element. The effective length of the connecting element increases during the takeoff process and decreases during the landing process. The landing and takeoff assisting module is coupled to the takeoff and landing platform and is arranged to (a) lower the takeoff and landing platform into the housing during a second part of the landing process and (b) elevate the takeoff and landing platform during a second part of the takeoff process.