Gimbal-Assisted Radar for UAS Obstacle Detection and Landing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Compact unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) lack the size, processing power, and cost-effectiveness for computer vision or phased array antenna-based detect-and-avoid systems, and current radar-based detection systems are limited to omnidirectional horizontal object detection, failing to assist autonomous landing on unfamiliar terrain.
Innovation Solution
A gimbal-assisted continuous-wave radar detection system mounted on UAS, capable of rotating through yaw, pitch, and roll axes, transmitting and receiving radar signals to detect obstacles within a defined field of view, and processing signals to determine size, shape, and distance, enabling omnidirectional obstacle detection and radar altimetry for landing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If computer vision or phased array antenna-based detect-and-avoid systems are used, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simple continuous-wave radar system with a single emitter and receiver instead of complex phased array antennas or computer vision systems. This simpler radar design is cost-effective and suitable for compact UAS while still providing adequate obstacle detection capabilities for safe operation.
2Measurement precision
If omnidirectional horizontal radar detection is used, then horizontal obstacle detection is improved, but vertical detection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a gimbal-mounted radar assembly that can dynamically change its orientation and scanning plane. The gimbal mechanism allows the radar to rotate from horizontal scanning to vertical scanning, enabling the system to adapt between detecting horizontal obstacles during flight and vertical obstacles during landing approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The radar system is designed to perform multiple functions: horizontal obstacle detection during normal flight operations and vertical terrain detection during landing approaches. The single radar assembly with gimbal mounting provides both capabilities, eliminating the need for separate detection systems for different flight phases.
3Device complexity
If fixed-mounted radar is used, then system simplicity is improved, but obstacle detection coverage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The radar assembly is mounted on a gimbal mechanism that enables dynamic rotation and repositioning. This allows the radar to actively scan different spatial zones including horizontal obstacles during flight and vertical terrain during landing, significantly expanding detection coverage compared to a fixed-mounted system while maintaining relative mechanical simplicity.
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 system provides effective omnidirectional obstacle detection and radar altimetry, allowing UAS to safely navigate and land on unfamiliar terrain, enhancing safety and operational flexibility by classifying obstacles and adjusting flight paths autonomously.
Implementation Method 1
A compact airborne vehicle, such as an unmanned aircraft system (UAS), may include a continuous-wave (e.g., Doppler) radar assembly
Implementation Method 2
The emitter may transmit continuous-wave radar signals throughout a defined field of view, detecting potential obstacles within the field of view based on the signals reflected to the receivers
Implementation Method 3
gimbal-mounted to the UAS airframe such that the emitter/receiver assembly may be rotated through yaw, pitch, and roll axes
Implementation Method 4
continuous-wave (e.g., Doppler) radar assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A gimbal-assisted continuous-wave (CW) Doppler radar detection system mountable to an unmanned aircraft system may be rotated in three degrees of freedom relative to the UAS to provide targeted multidirectional obstacle detection by transmitting CW signals throughout a field of view and analyzing reflected signals from obstacles within the field of view. The radar assembly may be articulated to provide track-ahead detection in anticipation of a heading or altitude change of the UAS, to center on a detected obstacle in order to classify or identify it more clearly. The radar assembly may be rotated below the UAS and its field of view changed to increase breadth and accuracy at a shorter effective range, in order to determine real-time altitude or terrain data while the UAS executes a landing.