Articulated Sensor Support Structure for UAV Mode Transition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor support structures for unmanned aerial vehicles lack flexibility and efficient deployment mechanisms, particularly in transitioning between flight control and reconnaissance/surveillance modes, with existing systems requiring manual intervention or complex mechanical setups.
Innovation Solution
A modular articulated support structure featuring an azimuth-elevation joint assembly with dual angular actuators and a resiliently biased hatch mechanism, allowing for automated deployment and retraction of the sensor mast via linear or rotational actuation, enabling seamless mode transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a modular articulated support structure with automated actuators is implemented, then deployment efficiency and operational flexibility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into modular segments including a mast, azimuth joint assembly, elevation joint assembly, and sensor platform. Each segment can be independently actuated and controlled, enabling automated deployment while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design. The segmentation allows the structure to be broken down into standardized components that can be assembled and disassembled systematically.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure incorporates dynamic elements including rotatable mast sections, adjustable azimuth and elevation joints, and resiliently biased hatches that can automatically open and close. These dynamic components enable the system to transition between different operational states (flight control mode vs. reconnaissance mode) through automated actuation, improving deployment efficiency while the controlled dynamics prevent excessive complexity through predictable motion patterns.
2Ease of operation
If manual intervention is eliminated in favor of automated actuation, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates self-service mechanisms including resiliently biased hatches that automatically open when the mast rotates to a specific angle and close when returned to the stowed position. The loaded spring mechanism provides automatic actuation force, eliminating the need for manual intervention in routine deployment operations. This self-service capability improves ease of operation while the automatic mechanisms are designed to be fail-safe and require minimal external control.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operation is replaced with automated actuation systems including angular actuators for azimuth and elevation adjustment, and linear actuators for mast extension. These automated mechanisms replace the need for manual cranking or mechanical linkages, significantly improving ease of operation. The substitution uses controlled mechanical actuation that can be integrated with flight control systems, achieving automation without excessive complexity through standardized actuator interfaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor mast is kept in a fixed position, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability between operational modes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated support structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it can support the sensor in a fixed position for flight control operations, extend to allow azimuth and elevation adjustment for reconnaissance and surveillance modes, and retract for storage. The universal design incorporates standardized joints and actuator interfaces that enable the same structure to adapt to different operational requirements without requiring separate mechanisms for each mode, thereby improving versatility while controlling complexity through multi-functional component design.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure transitions from a static fixed-position design to a dynamic articulated system with rotatable mast sections and adjustable joints. The dynamics are controlled through standardized angular and linear actuators that can be programmed to execute specific motion sequences for mode transitions. This dynamic capability enables the sensor to be repositioned between flight control and reconnaissance modes while the controlled nature of the dynamic elements prevents excessive complexity through predictable and repeatable motion patterns.
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 efficient and automated deployment/retraction of sensors, facilitating seamless transitions between flight control and reconnaissance/surveillance modes, enhancing operational flexibility and reducing manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a hatch rotatably attached to a portion of the sensor support structure housing; wherein the hatch is resiliently biased to rotatably engage the aperture proximate to the perimeter of the aperture
Implementation Method 2
the hatch is resiliently biased to rotatably engage the aperture
Implementation Method 3
a first angular actuator of a first rotational degree-of-freedom and a second angular actuator of a second rotational degree of freedom
Implementation Method 4
the release, e.g., via a lineal actuator, of a pin restraining a loaded spring
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include an assembly comprising: (a) a camera support structure comprising: a masthead disposed on the distal end of a mast wherein the masthead is configured to receive an imaging element; where a proximal end of the mast rotatably engaging an azimuth-elevation joint assembly wherein the azimuth-elevation joint assembly comprises a first angular actuator of a first rotational degree-of-freedom and a second angular actuator of a second rotational degree of freedom; and (b) a camera support structure housing comprising an aperture and a hatch wherein the hatch is resiliently biased to close the aperture; and wherein the camera support structure is configured to overcome the hatch resilient bias by at least one of: the release of a pin restraining a loaded spring and a rotational actuation of the mast via at least one of the first angular actuator and the second angular actuator.