Gas-Filled Floating Units to Reduce Wire Pulling Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems with vehicles connected by bendable connection elements, such as wires, experience increased energy consumption due to pulling forces that cause side drift, necessitating active propulsion adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A floating unit with a clamping mechanism and an envelope that adjusts its lifting effect based on the pulling force, using a gas volume to counteract the weight and mitigate the pulling force, and a supply system that manages the attachment and detachment of these units to optimize energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the free length of the wire is increased to allow the aerial vehicle to fly farther, then the working range is improved, but the pulling force increases causing higher energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the anti-weight principle by introducing floating units that generate lifting forces to counteract the pulling force in the wire. The floating units are filled with gas (helium or hydrogen) to create buoyancy that offsets the weight of the wire and aerial vehicle, thereby reducing the net pulling force and associated energy consumption while allowing increased wire length
2Reliability
If the pulling force is increased to maintain connection strength, then the connection reliability is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The floating units provide continuous lifting force that counteracts the weight of the wire and aerial vehicle, reducing the net pulling force required to maintain connection. This allows the connection to remain reliable without requiring high pulling forces, thereby reducing energy consumption
3Use of energy by moving object
If floating units are added to reduce pulling force, then the energy consumption is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the lifting function into multiple independent floating units that can be attached at different locations along the wire. Each floating unit is a separate module containing an envelope, gas volume, and clamping mechanism, allowing the system to be configured with varying numbers and positions of units to optimize performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a clamping unit as an intermediary mechanism that facilitates the attachment and detachment of floating units to the wire. The clamping unit includes a clamping member that can be actuated to secure or release the floating unit, simplifying the overall system operation
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
Reduces energy consumption by compensating for pulling forces, allowing efficient management of bendable connection elements and maintaining vehicle position with reduced energy expenditure.
Implementation Method 1
The gas volume of the floating unit generates a lifting effect that lets the floating unit floating up in a medium such as air or water. The lifting effect can be raised if a floating unit is (additionally) attached to the bendable connection element or if the gas volume is increased.
Data Source
AI summary
A floating unit and a supply system for a floating unit having a bendable connection element and a platform. The platform includes at least one connection point for storing the at least one floating unit. The at least one connection point includes an additional interface for connecting a first interface of the at least one floating unit wherein the bendable connection element is threaded through the clamping unit of the at least one floating unit.