Collective UAV Coupling for Heavy Payload and Long-Range Transport
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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, leading to inefficiencies and the need for multiple configurations.
Innovation Solution
A collective UAV configuration where multiple smaller UAVs couple together to form a larger unit, sharing resources, reducing energy consumption, and enhancing visibility and safety, allowing for the transportation of heavier items and longer distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a single UAV is designed to carry larger payloads or maintain extended flight duration, then the payload capacity and flight duration are improved, but the size, weight, and energy consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides a large payload transport task among multiple smaller UAVs instead of using one large UAV. Each UAV carries a portion of the payload or provides support functions, enabling the collective group to achieve the equivalent of a large UAV's payload capacity without the associated size and complexity increases.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple smaller UAVs are combined to form a cooperative system that functions as a unified payload transport platform. The UAVs communicate and coordinate their actions to collectively carry payloads that would be too heavy for any single UAV, while maintaining the advantages of smaller individual unit sizes.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a single UAV is designed for extended flight duration, then the flight duration is improved, but the power module size and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flight duration requirement is segmented across multiple UAVs, each with smaller power modules. The UAVs can operate in coordination where some provide lift while others perform different functions, or they can take turns, effectively extending the operational duration without requiring any single UAV to have a large power module.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of one UAV with a large power module, the system uses multiple UAVs with smaller, replicated power modules. This distribution of power requirements allows for extended operational duration through coordinated operation while keeping individual energy consumption and power module sizes manageable.
3Use of energy by moving object
If multiple smaller UAVs are used instead of one large UAV, then the energy consumption is reduced and flexibility is improved, but the coordination complexity and communication requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The UAVs are designed with universal communication and coordination capabilities that enable them to work together in various configurations and tasks. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle different payload sizes, flight durations, and operational scenarios using the same basic UAV platform, reducing the need for specialized complex systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters such as which UAVs are active, their positions in the formation, power distribution, and communication protocols based on real-time conditions. This adaptability allows the coordination complexity to be managed by changing operational parameters rather than requiring permanently complex coordination systems.
4Force
If larger motors and propellers are used in a single UAV to carry heavier payloads, then the lifting capacity is improved, but the overall system weight and energy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting force requirement is segmented across multiple UAVs, each equipped with smaller motors and propellers. The collective lifting capacity of the group equals or exceeds that of a single large UAV, but each individual motor remains lightweight, keeping the overall system weight lower than a single large UAV configuration.
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.