Aerodynamic Force Sensing Apparatus for Micro Air Vehicles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Micro air vehicles face challenges in accurately calculating air data due to chaotic turbulence and slow airspeeds, as conventional sensor systems are too heavy and bulky for effective operation.
Innovation Solution
An aerodynamic force sensing apparatus with a vane array and sensors, including piezo-electric or electroactive polymer materials, that detect vane deflection and bending stresses to transmit signals for air data calculation, allowing for active and passive aerodynamic control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional sensor systems are used for air data calculation, then measurement capability is provided, but the system becomes too heavy and bulky for MAV operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical sensor systems with aerodynamic force sensors that utilize the natural aerodynamic forces acting on the MAV itself. The sensor system measures forces and moments generated by airflow over the vehicle, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical sensors while maintaining measurement capability for air data calculation
Solution Approach 2:
The aerodynamic force sensors serve multiple functions: they measure aerodynamic forces for flight control, provide air data for navigation, and characterize the MAV's aerodynamic properties. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensor systems, reducing overall weight and complexity
2Measurement precision
If conventional sensor systems are used for air data calculation, then measurement capability is provided, but the system becomes too bulky for MAV operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulky mechanical sensor systems with aerodynamic force sensors that utilize the MAV's structure itself as the sensing element. The forces and moments measured are derived from the aerodynamic interaction between the vehicle and airflow, eliminating the need for large mechanical sensor assemblies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the aerodynamic sensing function with the MAV's structural components. The force sensors are integrated into the vehicle's airframe, and the aerodynamic surfaces serve dual purposes as both control surfaces and sensing elements, reducing overall system volume
3Measurement precision
If conventional sensor systems are used at slow airspeeds, then measurement is attempted, but accuracy deteriorates due to turbulent flow conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The aerodynamic force sensors utilize the natural aerodynamic forces and flow conditions that already exist during MAV operation. The sensors measure forces generated by the airflow over the vehicle's surfaces, using the environment itself as the measurement source rather than requiring active probing that would be disrupted by turbulence
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously measures aerodynamic forces and feeds this information back to the flight control system, which adjusts control surfaces to maintain stable flight. This closed-loop control compensates for turbulent flow conditions and maintains measurement accuracy despite varying airflow conditions
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
Enables accurate air data calculation and enhanced aerodynamic control, improving stability and reducing drag, especially in low-speed flight conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The first sensor may comprise an electro-mechanical material configured to detect vane deflection and/or bending stresses and to generate corresponding signals... The electro-mechanical material may comprise a piezo-electric material
Implementation Method 2
The electro-mechanical material may comprise a piezo-electric material and/or an electroactive polymer material
Implementation Method 3
The first vane may comprise a flexible portion configured to bend in proportional response to aerodynamic forces acting upon the first vane
Data Source
AI summary
An aerodynamic force sensing apparatus for providing an air data computer with information to calculate air data. The apparatus includes a plurality of vanes supportable in a vane array extending from a distal end of an airfoil of an aircraft, and one or more sensors configured to sense the response of one or more vanes of the vane array to aerodynamic forces and to transmit corresponding signals to an air data computer (ADC) for use by the ADC in calculating air data.