Flexible-Wing UAV Control Using Fuselage Rotation and Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UAVs lack the flexibility to perform demanding missions and operations, requiring more advanced autonomous control systems that can adapt to various environmental conditions and mission requirements, while being cost-effective and versatile.
Innovation Solution
A flexible wing aircraft system with a continuous wing assembly and a fuselage connected by a joint allowing orthogonal rotation, utilizing a network of sensors and actuators to autonomously control flight by rotating the fuselage and flexing the wing, enabling adaptive control and increased mission flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional rigid-wing UAV designs are used, then structural stability is maintained, but mission flexibility and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a flexible wing structure that can dynamically change its shape and configuration during flight. The wing assembly includes flexible materials and mechanisms that allow it to adapt to different flight conditions and mission requirements, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and mission flexibility by making the structure dynamic rather than static
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the wing structure by using flexible materials that can alter their shape, curvature, and rigidity. This allows the wing to adapt its aerodynamic characteristics for different missions while maintaining sufficient structural integrity, thus achieving both adaptability and stability
2Adaptability or versatility
If advanced autonomous control systems are implemented, then mission capability is enhanced, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements autonomous control systems that enable the UAV to perform missions independently without continuous human intervention. The system can自主ly navigate, adjust its flexible wing configuration, and adapt to environmental conditions, enhancing mission capability while reducing the need for complex human-operated control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates sensor networks that provide real-time feedback to the autonomous control system. This feedback mechanism allows the UAV to monitor its own state and environmental conditions, enabling intelligent decision-making and adaptive control without requiring overly complex external control infrastructure
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an aircraft and a method of controlling an aircraft. The aircraft comprises a continuous wing assembly extending from port to starboard sides of the aircraft. The aircraft is controlled partially by flexing portions of the wing, and partially or totally by mechanical systems that alter the position of a fuselage with respect to the wing. The fuselage is attached to the wing by a wing/fuselage joint structure that permits at least two mutually orthogonal axes of rotation of the fuselage relative to the wing. The aircraft includes a sensors, a telemetry system linked to a remote server, and a control system for programming flight information and aircraft control instructions and a plurality of actuators responsive to the control system for rotating the fuselage relative to the wing and flexing the wing for controlling the flight of the aircraft in response to instructions from the control system.