Embedded Directional Sensors in Aerial Control Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerial vehicles equipped with sensors face weight and drag penalties due to the need for dedicated housings and structures for imaging devices and other sensors, which are not utilized during all flight modes, reducing operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Embedding directional sensors like digital cameras, radar, and laser sensors within movable control surfaces such as wings, rudders, and ailerons, allowing these sensors to be repositioned or reoriented using existing motors and components, eliminating the need for separate housings and enhancing sensor functionality during mode transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated housings and structures are installed for mounting sensors on aerial vehicles, then sensor functionality is enabled, but weight and drag increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines sensors with existing control surfaces (ailerons, elevators, rudders) by embedding them within the control surface structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate dedicated housings and mounting structures, thereby enabling sensor functionality while avoiding the associated weight penalty.
Solution Approach 2:
The control surfaces serve dual functions: their primary aerodynamic control function and a secondary function as mounting structures for sensors. By making the control surfaces universal structures that can perform both propulsion/control and sensor mounting roles, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated sensor housings.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated housings and structures are installed for mounting sensors on aerial vehicles, then sensor functionality is enabled, but drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges sensors with control surfaces, eliminating separate housings and mounting structures that would create additional drag. The sensors are embedded within the existing aerodynamic surfaces, so no additional drag-generating structures are introduced.
Solution Approach 2:
By making control surfaces universal structures that serve both aerodynamic and sensor mounting functions, the patent avoids adding dedicated sensor housings that would increase drag. The existing control surface geometry is utilized, preventing additional drag.
3Weight of moving object
If sensors are embedded within control surfaces, then weight and drag are reduced, but sensor repositioning capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the control surfaces movable and adjustable, which dynamically enables sensor repositioning. By embedding sensors in movable control surfaces rather than fixed structures, the system achieves sensor repositioning capability without requiring separate mounting mechanisms, thereby reducing weight while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Aerial vehicles may include one or more directional sensors embedded into wings, rudders, ailerons, flaps or other control surfaces. When the aerial vehicles are operating in modes that do not require the use of such surfaces, a surface having a directional sensor embedded therein may be repositioned or reoriented to align the directional sensor toward an area or axis of interest, and information may be gathered from the area or axis of interest using the directional sensor. One or more safety lights, running lights or other illuminators may cast light of a desired color, frequency or wavelength toward the area or axis of interest. The directional sensors may include cameras, radar or laser sensors, or any other reorientable sensors.