Autonomous UAV Pod for Multi-Mission Remote Survey Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) face limitations in operational capabilities and data retrieval, especially when surveying large remote geographic areas, as they often require multiple flights and active human intervention for mission execution and data transfer.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a UAV pod with autonomous flight and data management capabilities, allowing for multiple autonomous launches, landings, and data retrieval missions by a two-rotor VTOL UAV, which can extend survey coverage areas through planned flight missions and wireless data transmission to a remote operational support center without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a single UAV is used for geographic survey, then operational cost is reduced, but the geographic coverage area is limited by the UAV's operational capabilities for any single flight
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the large geographic coverage area into multiple smaller survey areas, each assignable to individual flight missions. The UAV pod can host multiple UAVs that independently survey different segments of the total coverage area, thereby expanding the overall geographic coverage beyond what a single UAV could achieve in one flight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where multiple UAVs are housed within a single UAV pod. The pod serves as a mobile base that can be transported to remote locations and deployed autonomously. This nesting allows one system (the pod) to contain and support multiple independent surveying units (UAVs), multiplying the coverage capability while maintaining cost efficiency.
2Area of stationary object
If survey area is located in remote area, then geographic coverage is extended, but retrieval of survey data becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV pod is equipped with autonomous capabilities including self-deployment, self-navigation to survey areas, and automated data retrieval. The system can autonomously launch UAVs, receive them after missions, and transfer survey data without requiring human intervention or physical retrieval operations in remote locations. This self-service capability eliminates the logistical challenge of accessing remote areas for data collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical data retrieval operations with automated electronic data transfer systems. Survey data is transmitted digitally from UAVs to the pod and then to remote destinations via communication systems, eliminating the need for physical retrieval of storage media or manual data collection in remote areas.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple flight missions are planned to cover large area, then geographic coverage is improved, but active human intervention is required for each mission execution
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV pod system is designed with autonomous operational capabilities that allow it to automatically execute multiple flight missions without continuous human intervention. The pod can autonomously select and launch appropriate UAVs for assigned survey areas, monitor mission progress, receive UAVs upon completion, and manage data transfer automatically. This automation enables the system to handle multiple flight missions independently, significantly reducing the operational burden on human operators.
4Productivity
If UAV operates autonomously without human intervention, then operational efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV pod is designed as a universal platform that integrates multiple functions: it serves as a transport vehicle, a command center, a UAV hangar, and a data processing hub. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional system, the patent achieves autonomous operation without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same hardware and software infrastructure supports multiple operational roles.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operation, including: receiving from a customer a first data request, the first data request having: a first geographic coverage area; and a refresh rate for the first geographic coverage area; planning a first plurality of flight missions to accomplish the first data request; uploading flight missions data representing the first plurality of flight missions into a UAV pod; and deploying the UAV pod.