Integrated Drone Control Bar for Single-User Cable Traction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for controlling drones as traction units while being pulled by a cable are complex and difficult to manage, requiring coordination of balance and drone control, often necessitating a third person for operation.

Innovation Solution

A control bar with integrated control means, such as thumbwheels, push buttons, a gyroscope, or voice recognition, allows users to steer, accelerate, elevate, and descend drones while being pulled, combining gripping, traction, and control functions in a single intuitive unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If a drone is used as a traction unit with a cable connected to the user, then the motorboat requirement is eliminated and lighter units can be used, but the complexity of controlling the drone while being pulled increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraction unit weightVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the gripping function and drone control function into a single integrated control bar. The control bar includes control means (such as a joystick or control handles) that allow the user to control the drone's flight while simultaneously serving as the gripping point for the traction cable. This merging eliminates the need for separate control devices and simplifies the overall control system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control bar serves multiple functions: it acts as the gripping point for the traction cable, provides control means for steering and controlling the drone's flight, and integrates the control unit for processing user inputs. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the control system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the user controls the drone while being pulled by the cable, then complete user control is achieved, but the coordination of balance and drone control becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser control capabilityVSAvoidcoordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control bar merges the gripping function and control function into a single integrated device. The control means are positioned on the control bar such that the user can naturally grip the bar while simultaneously operating the controls, eliminating the need for separate hand movements for gripping and controlling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control means are strategically positioned on the control bar at locations that are easily accessible and naturally positioned for user interaction. The control handles or joystick are placed where the user's fingers or thumb can naturally rest while gripping the bar, creating an ergonomic control interface that reduces coordination complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If traditional separate control methods are used, then control functions are distinct, but a third person is required to control the drone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol separationVSAvoidoperation independence
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables the user to control the drone themselves through the integrated control bar, eliminating the need for a third person operator. The control means on the control bar provide direct control over the drone's flight, allowing the user to independently manage their own traction activity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables users to control drones independently during traction activities like waterskiing or wakeboarding, simplifying operations and eliminating the need for a third person to manage the drone, ensuring safe and effective control.

Implementation Method 1

the controls for steering are achieved through a gyroscope integrated into the bar of the control bar, such that when the bar is turned, the corresponding effect is that of a change of direction of the traction unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGyroscope: Gyroscope

Data Source

PatentEP3747754B1Control bar for controlling a drone as a traction unit
Publication Date: 2024.02.07 FERNANDEZ FERNANDEZ BERNARDO
  • EP3747754B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3747754B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3747754B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a control bar for grip, traction and control of a traction unit which has the control means of the control device, steering, acceleration and possible elevation and descent integrated into the structure thereof, the control means able to be thumbwheels, push buttons, pressure sensors, a gyroscope, a joystick or any combination of the same, or electronic processing means that allow for voice recognition. It also has a control unit and another communications unit (either connected by wiring or wireless) as well as its own power supply integrated in the support structure or received from the traction unit.