Lighter-Than-Air Drone Propulsion for Stable Altitude Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighter-than-air toy drones face challenges in controlling altitude due to their lightweight nature, making them susceptible to wind and air density variations, leading to constant motor usage and battery drain, limiting their flight duration.
Innovation Solution
A lighter-than-air toy drone assembly with a propulsion module containing vertically and horizontally oriented conduits and motorized propellers, allowing for controlled vertical and lateral movement without direct air action on the lift gas balloons, utilizing a controller for remote operation and onboard sensors for autonomous flight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the drone is made lighter than air using lift gas balloons, then the battery power consumption is reduced and flight duration is extended, but the altitude control becomes difficult and the drone is easily affected by wind and air density variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (adjustable weight system or variable buoyancy system) between the lift gas balloons and the propulsion module to mediate altitude control. This allows precise altitude adjustment without requiring continuous motor operation, thus maintaining extended flight duration while improving ease of altitude control.
2Ease of operation
If battery-powered motors are used to control altitude in lighter-than-air toys, then altitude control is achieved, but the motors must constantly run to compensate for wind drift, consuming battery power and reducing effective flight time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using intermittent motor operation combined with adjustable weight or buoyancy mechanisms. Instead of continuous motor running, the system periodically adjusts weight/buoyancy to achieve altitude control, thereby significantly reducing battery power consumption while maintaining effective altitude control capability.
3Ease of operation
If ballast and lift gas venting are used to control up and down movements, then altitude control is achieved, but ballast and lift gas are consumed and must be replenished after limited operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies discarding and recovering by implementing reusable adjustable weight systems (such as movable counterweights or adjustable ballast compartments) instead of consumable ballast. The weight adjustments can be reversed and reused multiple times without depletion, eliminating the need for substance replenishment while maintaining effective altitude control.
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 prolonged controlled flight without constant motor usage, conserving battery power and allowing for rapid altitude adjustments without the need for ballast replenishment, extending flight duration.
Implementation Method 1
The drone assembly utilizes a propulsion module that is kept aloft by at least one balloon
Implementation Method 2
A first motorized propeller selectively moves air through the first conduit, therein propelling the drone assembly either upwardly or downwardly
Implementation Method 3
At least one second motorized propeller is provided in the second conduit for selectively moving air through said second conduit, therein propelling the drone assembly laterally
Data Source
AI summary
A lighter-than-air toy drone having at least one balloon that is inflated with a lift gas. The drone has a first conduit progresses along a first axis and a second conduit that progresses along a perpendicular second axis. At least one motorized propeller is provided that can selectively moving air through the first conduit and the second conduit to propel the drone. The motorized propeller can also generate a gyroscopic force that acts to rotate said at least one balloon for directional steering.