Drone Wind Sensing for Ballistic Trajectory Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ballistic calculators rely on manual estimation of wind forces along the trajectory of a flying object, which is inaccurate due to the variable and unpredictable nature of wind direction and speed, especially for long-range trajectories.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a drone to collect real-time wind data by measuring electrical power supplied to its motors at multiple locations along the flight path, processing this data to determine the wind force vector, and adjusting the launch heading of the object accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual wind force estimation is used by users, then the system is simple to operate, but the measurement precision of wind force data is poor
Solution Approach 1:
A drone is introduced as an intermediary device to measure wind force data along the trajectory. The drone flies through the air path and uses onboard sensors (anemometers, pressure sensors, temperature sensors) to collect accurate wind force measurements at multiple locations, replacing manual user estimation with automated instrumental measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-measurement by automatically collecting wind force data through the drone's onboard sensors and processing this data through algorithms to determine the wind force vector along the trajectory, eliminating the need for manual user input and estimation.
2Measurement precision
If anemometers are used at one or two locations, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of wind force along the entire path is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The trajectory is divided into multiple measurement segments by having the drone collect wind force data at multiple discrete locations along the flight path. This segmentation allows accurate wind force characterization at different points (launch, mid-trajectory, near target) rather than relying on a single location measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement approach transitions from static point measurements (one or two fixed anemometer locations) to dynamic spatial sampling along the trajectory dimension. The drone moves through three-dimensional space, collecting wind force data at multiple positions, thereby capturing wind variations along the entire flight path.
3Measurement precision
If real-time wind force data along the entire trajectory is collected using a drone, then the measurement precision is high, but the device complexity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drone serves multiple functions: it acts as a platform for wind force measurements, a mobile sensor carrier, and a data collection device. By utilizing the drone's existing flight capabilities and integrating wind measurement sensors, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring entirely new specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the drone's onboard sensors continuously measure wind force, the data is processed in real-time to determine the wind force vector, and this information is fed back to adjust the ballistic calculation and launch parameters, creating a closed-loop system that improves accuracy.
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 precise real-time calculation of the ideal launch velocity vector, improving the accuracy of hitting a target by accounting for variable wind conditions along the entire trajectory.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining drone state information, the drone state information comprising a measurement of electrical power supplied to each motor of the drone
Implementation Method 2
calculating wind data from the drone state information, the wind data comprising a wind force vector for the at least two locations along the flight path
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for determining the wind force along the planned trajectory of a projectile are disclosed herein. A drone is flown along the expected path of the trajectory along a set heading. The drone is programmed to maintain the heading. As wind forces act upon the drone during its flight, the drone's electronic stability system provides automatic power and directional control to one or more motors that control the rotors and propellers that keep the drone aloft. By monitoring the changes in motor or drone state information over time in response to wind forces, the wind can be determined at various locations along the flight path. This information can be provided to a ballistics calculator to determine the launch heading of the projectile.