Drone-Based Electromagnetic Compatibility Measurement System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current EMC measurement methods are costly, limited in space, and inflexible, making it difficult to determine electromagnetic compatibility of electrical devices on-site, especially for large devices and those already installed, as they require dedicated facilities that are expensive to set up or rent.

Innovation Solution

An unmanned aerial system equipped with a drone, interface, computing unit, positioning unit, scanning unit, measuring unit, sensor, and transmitting unit is used to determine electromagnetic compatibility by scanning and measuring electromagnetic signal strength and frequency around the device, allowing for on-site, flexible, and economic assessments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dedicated EMC measuring places (shielded chambers or special outdoor facilities) are used, then measurement accuracy and reliability are improved, but cost and device complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEMC measurement reliabilityVSAvoidmeasurement facility complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an unmanned aerial system as an intermediary measurement platform that carries EMC measurement equipment. This mediator enables field measurements without requiring complex dedicated facilities, as the drone can be deployed to various locations and perform measurements in situ, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement reliability and facility complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/physical dedicated measurement facilities (shielded chambers, fixed outdoor ranges) with an aerial robotic system. This substitution allows the measurement capability to be mobile and adaptable, eliminating the need for complex fixed infrastructure while maintaining measurement effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If dedicated EMC measuring places are used, then EMC measurement accuracy is improved, but space requirements and accessibility worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEMC measurement precisionVSAvoidmeasurement facility area
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from ground-based fixed facilities to aerial three-dimensional measurement space. The drone operates in the air dimension above the target device, enabling measurements without requiring large horizontal space on the ground. This dimensional change allows precise measurements while minimizing space occupation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The unmanned aerial system serves as a mobile intermediary platform that brings measurement capabilities directly to the target device location. This eliminates the need for the target device to be moved to or accommodate large fixed facilities, as the measurement system comes to the device in its operational environment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of information

If traditional EMC measurement methods are used, then measurement thoroughness is improved, but flexibility and adaptability to different environments deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEMC data completenessVSAvoidmeasurement environment adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic unmanned aerial system that can adapt its flight path, measurement parameters, and positioning in real-time based on environmental conditions and target characteristics. This dynamic capability enables the system to perform thorough measurements while adapting to various operational environments, resolving the contradiction between data completeness and environmental adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 accurate and flexible EMC determination on-site, reducing costs and space constraints, while providing comprehensive data presentation in various formats, including maps, tables, and graphs, and allowing for adjustments in measurement routes based on signal strength.

Implementation Method 1

measuring, by the measuring unit of the drone, electromagnetic signal strength and frequency at different heights and/or locations around the target electrical device in the limited area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4411394A1Methods and systems for determining electromagnetic compatibility for a target electrical device by an unmanned aerial system
Publication Date: 2024.08.07 EMC MAPPING SWEDEN AB
  • EP4411394A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4411394A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4411394A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method for determining electromagnetic compatibility, EMC, for a target electrical device in a limited area around the target electrical device by means of an unmanned aerial system is provided. The method comprises: determining a route for the drone, and positioning the drone flying along the route; scanning the limited area around the target electrical device, and measuring, by the measuring unit of the drone, electromagnetic signal strength and frequency at different heights and/or locations around the target electrical device in the limited area; collecting operating conditions around the target electrical device in the limited area; transmitting the measured electromagnetic signal strength and frequency and collected operating conditions to the computing unit; selecting the electromagnetic signals which having frequencies outside the bandwidths authorized to radio communications; determining if the EMC of the target electrical device fulfills EMC requirement, wherein the collected operating conditions being additional information to the EMC determination result.