Balloon-Sail Wind Shear Lift Control for Stable Altitude
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing unmanned aircraft systems face challenges in efficiently controlling altitude and maintaining flight stability due to variations in wind speed and direction, particularly at different altitudes, often relying on ballast dropping or gas release which is inefficient and limited in flight duration.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilizes a balloon module with a sail module tethered at an offset distance, generating aerodynamic lift by modifying the pitch angle of control surfaces in response to wind shear, allowing for altitude control without dropping ballast or releasing gas, and leveraging wind shear gradients for flight direction adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If ballast dropping or gas release is used for altitude control, then altitude adjustment is achieved, but flight duration is limited and control efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical ballast dropping system with an aerodynamic control system that uses sail area adjustment and pitch angle modification to control altitude. The control surfaces (elevators, ailerons, rudders) on the sail module enable aerodynamic altitude control without consuming ballast or gas, thereby extending flight duration while maintaining operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by adjusting the sail module's pitch angle and effective sail area dynamically. By modifying these parameters in response to wind shear conditions, the system achieves continuous altitude control without depleting finite resources like ballast or gas, thus extending flight duration while maintaining ease of operation.
2Duration of action of moving object
If wind shear extraction is implemented, then flight duration is extended and altitude control precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sail module serves multiple functions: it provides aerodynamic lift for altitude control, acts as a control surface for pitch and roll adjustments, and enables wind shear extraction for extended flight duration. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while achieving the desired benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the balloon module and sail module into a integrated hybrid system where the sail module is tethered to the balloon. This combination allows the system to leverage both aerostatic lift from the balloon and aerodynamic control from the sail, achieving extended flight duration and precise altitude control while consolidating functions into a unified structure.
3Ease of operation
If sail module with control surfaces is used, then aerodynamic lift is generated for altitude control, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the aircraft into two distinct modules: the balloon module for aerostatic lift and the sail module for aerodynamic control. The sail module itself is segmented into control surfaces (elevators, ailerons, rudders) that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows precise altitude control through localized adjustments without requiring complex integration across the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of control by adding the sail module with pitch and roll capabilities to the traditional balloon system. This dimensional addition enables aerodynamic altitude control and lateral maneuvering without fundamentally redesigning the entire system architecture, thereby achieving enhanced control precision with moderate complexity increase.
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 precise altitude control and extended flight duration by extracting work from wind shear, reducing reliance on ballast or gas release, and maintaining target altitudes through aerodynamic lift adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a balloon module (110) configured to induce aerostatic lift into the atmosphere
Implementation Method 2
a sail module (120) tethered to the balloon module (110) and configured to generate aerodynamic lift by extracting work from a wind shear velocity between the balloon module (110) and the sail module (120)
Implementation Method 3
extracting work from wind shear acting on the sail module
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes: a balloon module; a sail module; a ballast module; and a bridle assembly. The balloon module includes an inflatable element containing a volume of lifting gas. The sail module defining a first edge and a second edge and including: a control surface extending between the first edge and the second edge; payload sensors; and a motorized spool arranged proximal the second edge of the sail module. The ballast module: is arranged below the sail module; and includes a container containing a ballast material. The bridle assembly includes: a set of fixed sail cables coupling the balloon module to the first edge of the sail module; and a sail control cable wound about the motorized spool and coupling the balloon module to the second edge of the sail module.