Conformal Body Capacitors for UAS Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) rely heavily on batteries for power, which contribute to weight and bulk, limiting their operational range and redundancy, and are constrained by the need for redundant on-board electrical power sources for precision navigation and flight control.
Innovation Solution
Integrating super-capacitors into the vehicle body structure to serve as both structural and energy storage components, providing an auxiliary power source that reduces battery bulk and weight, and includes a charge buffer and voltage stabilization functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If high charge capacity batteries are used to power UAS, then operational duration is extended, but vehicle mass increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines super-capacitor modules with the UAS body structure, merging energy storage functionality into the structural framework. This integration allows the capacitors to serve dual purposes: providing auxiliary power while contributing to the overall structural integrity, thereby adding minimal mass compared to conventional battery-only systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by integrating super-capacitor modules (containing electrodes, dielectric materials, and conductive layers) into the body structure. This composite approach enables the structure to simultaneously provide mechanical support and electrical energy storage, optimizing the mass-duration tradeoff.
2Reliability
If redundant on-board electrical power sources are added for precision navigation and flight control, then system reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the auxiliary power source (super-capacitor system) directly into the body structure, creating an integrated power system that provides redundancy without requiring separate, standalone battery packs. This integration reduces the number of discrete components and simplifies system architecture while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The super-capacitor modules serve multiple functions: providing auxiliary power for precision navigation, supporting flight control systems, and contributing to structural integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated components for each function, thereby lowering overall device complexity.
3Volume of moving object
If capacitors are integrated into the vehicle body structure, then power source bulk is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the auxiliary power system into multiple discrete super-capacitor modules that can be independently manufactured and then integrated into the body structure. This segmentation allows for standardized production of capacitor units, simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The super-capacitor modules are nested within the body structure, with capacitor components (electrodes, dielectric layers, conductive materials) arranged in compact, space-efficient configurations. This nesting approach minimizes the volume occupied by power storage components while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular assembly.
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
Enhances charge storage capacity, reduces power source bulk, and provides a redundant, efficient, and environmentally friendly energy solution for UAS, extending operational time and enabling all-weather capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a first capacitor can implement a large, auxiliary on-board energy storage
Implementation Method 2
a capacitor can include a pair of conductive plates, separated by a dielectric
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle system includes a plurality of capacitors each forming a portion of a vehicle structure, and a parallel electrical link between a pair of the plurality of capacitors, such that the pair of capacitors act as an aggregate capacitor.