UAV Autopilot Backup Switching via Programmable Logic State Machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current control systems for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) lack redundancy and reliability, particularly in high-stress environments, where mechanical and electrical failures can occur due to vibrations and temperature fluctuations, leading to limited processing capability and increased weight and space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A control system comprising a first processing unit configured to execute a primary autopilot process and a programmable logic array with a state machine that enables a backup autopilot process in case of invalid output, along with a second processing unit and programmable logic array for redundant control, allowing the UAV to switch between primary and backup processes to prevent loss of control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual hardware components are provided onboard a UAV for each vehicle control system and each mission control system, then the reliability and redundancy of the control system is improved, but the weight, volume, and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the primary and backup autopilot processes into a single processing unit, allowing redundant control functionality without requiring separate hardware components for each system. This integration maintains reliability through software-based redundancy while reducing hardware complexity and associated weight and volume
Solution Approach 2:
The single processing unit is designed to perform multiple functions by executing different autopilot processes (primary and backup) based on operational conditions. This multi-functionality allows one hardware component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability
2Reliability
If a backup autopilot process is implemented with separate hardware components, then the availability and reliability of the control system is improved, but the weight and volume of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the backup autopilot functionality into the same processing unit that runs the primary autopilot process. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate hardware components for backup functionality, thereby maintaining improved autopilot availability through redundancy while avoiding the weight increase that would result from additional physical hardware
3Reliability
If redundant processing systems are implemented for backup control, then the reliability and availability of the control system is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines redundant processing systems into a single processing unit that can execute multiple autopilot processes. This approach maintains control system availability through redundancy while reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate processing systems and their associated interconnections and hardware management
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between primary and backup autopilot processes based on operational conditions and system state. This dynamic approach allows a single processing unit to provide redundant control functionality without the static complexity of multiple permanently configured processing systems
Data Source
AI summary
A control system an unmanned vehicle includes a first processing unit configured to execute a primary autopilot process for controlling the unmanned vehicle. The control system further includes a programmable logic array in operative communication with the first processing unit. The control system also includes a state machine configured in the programmable logic array. The state machine is configured to enable control of the unmanned vehicle according to a backup autopilot process in response to an invalid output of the first processing unit.