Drone Collision Avoidance Thresholds Based on Propeller Guards

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional aerial robotic vehicles (UAVs) use a fixed proximity threshold for collision avoidance, which may not be suitable for all circumstances, particularly when propeller guards are installed or not, leading to reduced maneuverability and safety concerns.

Innovation Solution

The system determines whether propeller guards are installed on an aerial robotic vehicle and adjusts the proximity threshold for collision avoidance accordingly, using sensors such as contact, weight, image, or radio-frequency identification tag readers to set a higher or lower threshold based on the presence and condition of the propeller guards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed proximity threshold is used for collision avoidance, then the obstacle avoidance system can prevent collisions with objects, but the drone's maneuverability is reduced when propeller guards are installed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision avoidanceVSAvoidmaneuverability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The proximity threshold is changed from a fixed value to a dynamically adjustable parameter based on the presence of propeller guards. The system automatically detects whether propeller guards are installed and adjusts the threshold accordingly, allowing the drone to maintain optimal maneuverability while ensuring collision avoidance safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the proximity threshold parameter based on the configuration state (with or without propeller guards). When propeller guards are detected, a lower threshold is applied; when they are absent, a higher threshold is used, optimizing both safety and maneuverability for each operational state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a higher proximity threshold is used to ensure safety when propeller guards are not installed, then collision avoidance is improved, but the drone cannot operate effectively when propeller guards are installed

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidoperational effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The proximity threshold dynamically adapts to the operational configuration. The system detects propeller guard presence and switches between two threshold modes: a higher threshold for safety when guards are absent, and a lower threshold for operational effectiveness when guards are present.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The proximity threshold parameter is adjusted based on the detected configuration state. The system maintains a higher threshold value to ensure safety when propeller guards are not installed, and switches to a lower threshold value when propeller guards are installed, optimizing operational effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If a lower proximity threshold is used to improve maneuverability when propeller guards are installed, then the drone can operate more effectively, but safety is compromised when propeller guards are not installed

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemaneuverabilityVSAvoidsafety
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the proximity threshold based on real-time detection of propeller guard presence. When guards are detected, a lower threshold enables better maneuverability; when guards are absent, the threshold increases to maintain safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The proximity threshold parameter changes based on the operational configuration. A lower threshold value is applied when propeller guards are installed to improve maneuverability, while a higher threshold value is used when guards are not installed to ensure safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3735623B1Adjustable object avoidance proximity threshold based on presence of propeller guard(s)
Publication Date: 2022.01.26 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3735623B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3735623B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1D
  • EP3735623B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Various embodiments include methods, devices, and aerial robotic vehicles for adjusting a proximity threshold implemented in a collision avoidance system based on whether propeller guards are installed. Methods may include an aerial robotic vehicle processor determining whether a propeller guard is installed, setting, a proximity threshold for collision avoidance based on the determination as to whether propeller guard(s) is/are installed on the aerial robotic vehicle, and controlling one or more motors of the aerial robotic vehicle using the proximity threshold for collision avoidance. When propeller guards are installed, the proximity threshold may be set at a smaller distance than when propeller guards are not installed. The determination of whether a propeller guard is installed may be based on sensor data from one or more sensors configured to detect or indicate the presence of a propeller guard, and/or based on rotor revolution rates determined from a motor or motor controller.