Distributed Multicopter Control via Fail-Safe Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multicopters face challenges in achieving stable flight behavior due to their aerodynamic instability and reliance on complex control systems, which can lead to failures and crashes, especially with the risk of central control systems malfunctioning, and the high demands on component reliability with redundant designs.
Innovation Solution
A distributed control system where rotors are connected via a fail-safe network with redundant sensors and controllers that autonomously determine control signals based on sensor data and rotor states, eliminating the need for a central unit and allowing for decentralized decision-making to ensure flight stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a central control system is used to control the multicopter, then the control structure is simple and easy to implement, but the system has a single point of failure which compromises reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized control system into multiple independent controller units distributed across different rotors. Each controller can autonomously make control decisions based on sensor data, eliminating the single point of failure in centralized systems while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic task allocation where controller responsibilities can be reassigned in real-time based on operational status. If one controller fails, its functions are dynamically transferred to other controllers, ensuring continuous reliable operation without requiring a completely static rigid structure.
2Reliability
If redundant sensors and controllers are implemented to improve reliability, then system reliability increases, but the device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, barometers, GPS receivers) into integrated sensor units that can be shared across multiple controllers. This merging approach provides redundant sensing capabilities without proportionally increasing system complexity, as the same physical sensors serve multiple control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
Each controller unit is designed to be multi-functional, capable of processing data from various sensor types and controlling multiple rotors. This universality allows the system to achieve high reliability through redundancy without requiring dedicated specialized components for each function, thereby controlling overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If redundant sensors and controllers are implemented to improve reliability, then system reliability increases, but production and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses identical copies of controller units and sensor modules throughout the system. This standardization allows for economies of scale in manufacturing, where bulk production of identical components reduces per-unit costs. The modular copied design simplifies both manufacturing and maintenance, as spare parts can be readily replaced without custom fabrication.
4Reliability
If a distributed control system with multiple controllers is used, then system reliability improves by eliminating single points of failure, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback mechanisms where controllers exchange status information and sensor data with each other and with the central management system. This feedback loop enables automatic fault detection and coordination, simplifying the management of distributed controllers through standardized communication protocols and reducing the operational complexity of the distributed architecture.
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
This solution provides a fail-safe and reliable attitude control system that compensates for failures in sensors, controllers, and actuators, ensuring stable flight behavior without a single point of failure, thus enhancing operational safety and reducing maintenance and production costs.
Implementation Method 1
several redundant rotors, preferably arranged in a common rotor plane, in order to generate lift
Implementation Method 2
thrust by tilting at least one rotor plane
Implementation Method 3
each comprising at least one electric motor and one propeller
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and a system are proposed for controlling an aircraft in the form of a multicopter which has a plurality of redundant rotors (4), preferably arranged in a common rotor plane, in order, on the one hand, to generate lift, and, on the other hand, also propulsion by inclining the at least one rotor plane, wherein the regulation of the position and the control of the multicopter are carried out by changing rotor rotational speeds as a function of pilot control instructions, which system is characterized in that the rotors (4) are connected to one another in terms of data technology via a failsafe network (8), and they communicate their respective operating state, in particular their rotor rotational speed, in the network (8); the network contains a first multiplicity of redundant sensors which determine control-relevant data and make it available in the network, in particular inclination, acceleration, rotational speed and/or position in all three spatial axes of the multicopter; furthermore the network contains a second multiplicity of regulators which determine in an autonomous and decentralized fashion in each case a regulating signal for in each case at least one rotor on the basis of the sensor data and preferably also on the basis of the rotor operating states, and make said regulating signal available in the network; the rotors are regulated by means of the regulating signals in such a way that flight behaviour of the multicopter corresponds substantially to the prescription by the pilot control instruction.