Gimbal-Stabilized Drone Module for Linear Measurement and Inclination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing measurement technologies for structures rely on fixed references, leading to errors and safety risks, particularly in tall structures, and lack precision due to construction variations and measurement techniques, with limited access to dangerous areas.

Innovation Solution

A stabilized measurement module for drones, featuring a gimbal, rangefinder, laser pointers, and a protective cage, with a quick connector mechanism, ensuring precise and stable measurements, and enabling safe operation in hazardous environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional measurement methods with fixed references are used, then measurement process is simple, but measurement precision deteriorates due to reference errors and construction variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical measurement methods with optical measurement technology. The system uses laser pointers to project reference lines and rangefinders to measure distances, substituting physical contact measurement with optical field measurement. This eliminates the need for fixed physical references and achieves higher precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces laser pointers as intermediary elements that project visual reference lines onto the structure being measured. These laser lines serve as virtual references that are not affected by physical construction variations, allowing the rangefinder to measure distances along precise optical references rather than relying on physical markers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If operators access tall structures for measurement, then measurement access is direct, but safety deteriorates due to high risk of accidents

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accessVSAvoidoperator safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual climbing and physical access to tall structures with an aerial drone platform. The drone carries the measurement equipment (laser pointers and rangefinder) to positions that would be inaccessible or dangerous for human operators, eliminating the need for climbing while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The drone acts as an intermediary carrier platform, transporting the measurement system to elevated positions without requiring human presence at those heights. This separates the operator from the hazardous environment while maintaining the ability to perform measurements from safe distances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If multiple rotors are used for drone stability, then flight stability improves, but measurement stability deteriorates due to wind sensitivity and rotor vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement stabilityVSAvoiddrone structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gimbal acts as an intermediary stabilization mechanism between the drone and the measurement equipment. It decouples the measurement system from drone vibrations and movements, providing a stable platform for the laser pointers and rangefinder even when the drone itself is subject to wind and rotor vibrations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent separates the stabilization function from the flight control function. The three-rod gimbal structure provides independent stabilization for the measurement equipment, while the drone's flight控制系统 handles overall flight stability. This segmentation allows each subsystem to optimize its performance without interfering with the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 module provides precise and stable linear measurements, reduces human error, and allows safe access to risky areas, enhancing operational safety and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The telemetric housing has four laser pointers, two of which are in its lower portion and two more in its front portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

two rangefinders, one of which is in its lower portion and the other in its front portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS20250320001A1Stabilized Measurement Module Couplable to Drones and Portable Stabilizers for Linear Measurement and Identification of Inclination of Structures

Publication Date: 2025.10.16 PETROLEO BRASILEIRO SA PETROBRAS

AI summary

The present disclosure refers to a measurement and stabilization module couplable to drones and portable stabilizers for linear measurement and identification of inclination of structures. This module comprises: a telemetric housing, subdivided into: a front portion, a lower portion, a rear portion, a right side portion and a left side portion; a protective cage; rods of a gimbal; four engagement elements and four engagement rotation elements.