Collective UAV Coupling for Heavy Payload and Longer Flight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UAV designs face limitations in carrying larger payloads and maintaining extended flight durations, as they require larger motors, propellers, and power modules, necessitating multiple configurations that are not always necessary for typical deliveries.
Innovation Solution
The concept of a collective UAV configuration, where multiple smaller UAVs couple together to form a single, more capable unit for transporting larger or heavier items and navigating longer distances, sharing resources and reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a single UAV is designed to carry larger payloads or achieve extended flight duration, then the payload capacity or flight duration is improved, but the size, weight, and power consumption of the UAV increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the function of carrying large payloads or achieving extended flight duration across multiple smaller UAVs instead of concentrating it in one large UAV. Each UAV maintains a manageable size and weight, while the collective group achieves the required payload capacity through coordinated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple individual UAVs merge to form a collective UAV configuration that functions as a unified system. This merging allows the group to achieve the payload capacity and flight duration of a single large UAV while each individual unit remains small and lightweight.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a single UAV is designed to carry larger payloads or achieve extended flight duration, then the payload capacity or flight duration is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the energy burden across multiple UAVs, so each individual UAV consumes less power than a single large UAV would require. The collective group achieves extended flight duration through distributed power consumption and potential resource sharing among units.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple UAVs with identical or similar power systems work together to achieve the functional equivalent of a single UAV with a much larger power system. This multi-functionality allows the collective to achieve extended flight duration without any single unit requiring excessive power consumption.
3Weight of moving object
If multiple smaller UAVs are used instead of a single large UAV, then the individual UAV size and power consumption are reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically configures multiple UAVs into a collective formation based on mission requirements. This dynamic reconfigurability allows the system to maintain simplicity for individual units while achieving complex capabilities when needed, reducing overall system complexity compared to permanently complex configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes a collective UAV in which multiple UAVs may be coupled together to form the collective UAV. A collective UAV may be used to aerially transport virtually any size, weight or quantity of items, travel longer distances, etc. For example, rather than using one large UAV to carry a larger or heavier item, multiple smaller UAVs may couple together to form a collective UAV that is used to carry the larger or heavier item.