Flying Object Balloon Stability and Paint Ejection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flying objects with high volume ratio balloons experience instability due to external disturbances like wind, leading to increased time for maintaining flight and posture stability, which affects working efficiency in painting applications.

Innovation Solution

A flying object with multiple blades and a nozzle system that includes a paint ejection mechanism and a fluid ejection mechanism, where the angle between these mechanisms can be adjusted to stabilize flight and ensure high-quality painting, allowing for non-contact painting of surfaces without the need for scaffolding or expensive robots.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a high volume ratio balloon is used in the flying object, then the flying object can achieve flight capability, but flight stability is significantly affected by external disturbances such as wind

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflight capabilityVSAvoidflight stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies counterweight principle by adding weight to the lower portion of the flying object body to balance the high-volume balloon's buoyancy. This creates a stable center of gravity that resists external disturbances like wind, allowing the flying object to maintain flight stability while utilizing the balloon's lift capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a vertical dimension to stability control by positioning weight in the lower portion rather than distributing it uniformly. This dimensional adjustment of mass distribution creates a pendulum-like stabilizing effect that counteracts horizontal disturbances from wind.

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

2Reliability

If time is taken to maintain flight and posture stability, then flight stability is improved, but the working time is increased accordingly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflight stabilityVSAvoidworking time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the weight distribution in the lower portion before flight operations begin. This preliminary structural arrangement automatically provides stability during flight, eliminating the need for time-consuming active stabilization adjustments and allowing immediate work commencement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Extent of automation

If a robot is used for painting, then painting automation is improved, but capital investment is large and facility conforming to explosion-proof specifications is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepainting automationVSAvoidcapital investment
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service principle by enabling the flying object to autonomously perform painting operations through onboard automated spray mechanisms. The system serves itself by integrating propulsion, positioning, and painting functions in a single unit, eliminating the need for external robotic systems and complex facility infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements multi-functionality by designing the flying object to perform both navigation/positioning and painting operations. This universal design consolidates multiple functions into one device, reducing capital investment compared to separate robotic painting systems and explosion-proof facilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The solution provides stable flight and efficient painting, reducing the time required for painting and eliminating the need for capital investments in scaffolding or robots, while ensuring high-quality paint films on complex surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

an airship including: an airship body in which a power supply device, a radio control device, a posture control device, a surveillance television control device are mounted; a balloon coaxially provided in an upper portion of the airship body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Implementation Method 2

a propulsion and posture control blower attached to an end of the same arm so as to be rotatable around an axis of the same arm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid propulsion: Jet

Data Source

PatentEP3978362B1Flying object, flying object system, and method for painting object to be painted
Publication Date: 2024.12.18 HITACHI LTD
  • EP3978362B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3978362B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3978362B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A flying object includes: a flying object body; a blade that enables the flying object body to fly; a paint ejection mechanism that ejects paint in a first direction; and a fluid ejection mechanism that ejects a fluid in a second direction differing from the first direction by 90 degrees or more.