Autonomous Glide Module With Shape-Memory Parachute Ejection

Solution Overview

Problem

Unmanned aircraft systems often fall into unexpected regions due to environmental changes or unskilled manipulation, leading to potential damage and loss, as conventional parachute deployment mechanisms require high power and space, hindering miniaturization and efficient emergency landing capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A glide module with a shape-memory alloy ejection mechanism for a parachute, allowing autonomous deployment and adjustment to assist the aircraft in gliding to a safe location, reducing the need for a separate motor and enhancing miniaturization and glide efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a motor-driven mechanism is used to eject the parachute, then the parachute can be deployed reliably, but the power consumption increases and the system size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparachute deployment reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the motor-driven mechanical ejection system with a shape memory alloy-based mechanical system. The shape memory alloy wire (21) directly converts thermal energy to mechanical motion through phase transformation, eliminating the need for a motor and its associated power consumption while maintaining deployment reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the phase transformation parameter change of shape memory alloy from austenite to martensite structure when heated. This parameter change causes the alloy to contract and generate the ejection force needed to deploy the parachute, converting thermal parameter changes into mechanical action without requiring electrical power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a motor-driven mechanism is used to eject the parachute, then the parachute can be deployed reliably, but the system size increases due to motor accommodation space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparachute deployment reliabilityVSAvoidsystem volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the motor-driven mechanical ejection system with a shape memory alloy-based mechanical system. The shape memory alloy wire (21) directly converts thermal energy to mechanical motion through phase transformation, eliminating the need for a motor and its associated power consumption while maintaining deployment reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the phase transformation parameter change of shape memory alloy from austenite to martensite structure when heated. This parameter change causes the alloy to contract and generate the ejection force needed to deploy the parachute, converting thermal parameter changes into mechanical action without requiring electrical power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If conventional parachute mechanisms are used, then emergency protection is provided, but autonomous glide capability is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemergency protectionVSAvoidautonomous glide control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the air resistance member (120) to serve dual functions: as a parachute for emergency protection and as a glide control surface for autonomous navigation. By integrating both functions into a single structure, the system achieves reliable emergency protection while adding autonomous glide capability without requiring separate mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs adjustable cord lengths (122) connected to the air resistance member that can be dynamically modified by the glide control member (150). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to transition between parachute deployment mode and glide control mode, enabling autonomous operation based on flight conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 autonomous and efficient gliding to a safe place in emergency situations, protecting the aircraft and reducing power consumption, while allowing for size reduction and improved flight control.

Implementation Method 1

The elastic device is formed of a shape-memory alloy, and ejects the air resistance member to the outside of the container using an elastic force of the shape-memory alloy generated when the shape-memory alloy returns to its pre-deformed shape upon application of the electricity to the elastic device.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape-memory alloy: Shape Memory Alloy

Data Source

PatentEP3805106B1Unmanned aircraft system capable of autonomous flight

Publication Date: 2023.02.01 AWESOME TECH INC

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AI summary

A glide module mounted to an unmanned aircraft system and an unmanned aircraft system having the glide module are proposed. The glide module includes a container including a storage space therein; an air resistance member stored in the container; an ejection member performing ejection of the air resistance member; a glide member performing glide of the air resistance member; and a glide control member controlling the ejection member and the glide member, wherein the glide control member performs an autonomous flight under a previously input condition by controlling the glide of the air resistance member. An unmanned aircraft system including the glide module is also disclosed herein.