Deployable Data Link Repeaters for Beyond-Line-of-Sight UAV Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication systems for UAVs face challenges in maintaining data link communication without line-of-sight, especially due to obstacles like terrain, buildings, and the curvature of the earth, and existing solutions like stronger signal transmission, modulation changes, and relay stations are either impractical or costly.
Innovation Solution
A system equipped with an unmanned vehicle having a data link transceiver and at least one deployable data link transceiver, which can be deployed to maintain data link communication by forming a self-propagating data link, even beyond line-of-sight obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stronger signal transmission is used to overcome obstacles, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces deployable transceiver nodes as intermediary elements that relay communications between the UAV and ground control. These intermediaries extend the communication path around obstacles without requiring the UAV to increase its transmission power, thus maintaining communication reliability while avoiding increased power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system is segmented into multiple distributed transceiver nodes rather than relying on a single direct link. The UAV, ground control, and deployable transceivers form a multi-hop network that segments the communication path, allowing signals to traverse around obstacles through multiple lower-power segments.
2Reliability
If relay stations are deployed to maintain line-of-sight communication, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The deployable transceiver nodes are automatically deployed from the UAV itself, eliminating the need for external relay station infrastructure. The UAV serves its own communication needs by deploying nodes that it carries, making the system self-sufficient and reducing external infrastructure requirements while maintaining communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployable transceiver nodes serve multiple functions: they act as communication relays, extend the UAV's operational range, and provide backup communication paths. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized infrastructure while improving communication reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional communication systems are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to beyond line-of-sight scenarios is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system transitions from a static direct link to a dynamic multi-hop network. The deployable transceiver nodes can be deployed and positioned dynamically based on the UAV's location and communication needs, allowing the system to adapt to beyond line-of-sight scenarios while managing complexity through automated deployment protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
In one possible embodiment, a system capable of a self-propagating data link includes an unmanned vehicle having a data link transceiver and at least one deployable data link transceiver. The unmanned vehicle having a deployment means for deploying the at least one deployable data link transceiver.