Inverted Deep-Stall UAV Landing for Payload Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smaller UAVs face challenges in landing precision and payload protection due to high vibration and impact loads, especially when equipped with sensitive cameras, as traditional methods like parachute deployment or sturdy non-gimbaled cameras are either imprecise or costly.
Innovation Solution
The aircraft is designed to invert during landing, allowing controlled descent with the payload protected above the landing gear, using control surfaces to stall the wing for rapid and precise landing, and the option to abort landing by reorienting to upright flight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the payload extends below the fuselage for maximum viewing during flight, then the viewing capability is improved, but the payload is exposed to high vibration and impact loads during landing
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft is designed to invert during landing sequence, rotating 180 degrees from upright to inverted orientation. This inversion places the payload (which extends below the fuselage for viewing) above the landing gear, protecting it from impact loads while maintaining the extended payload configuration for maximum viewing capability throughout the maneuver
2Measurement precision
If a parachute is deployed for landing, then the landing location precision can be improved, but the aircraft cannot be precisely controlled to a specific location
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft maintains active flight control throughout the entire landing sequence, including during inversion and descent. Control surfaces remain operational to enable precise positioning and directional control, allowing the aircraft to be guided to a specific target location rather than relying on passive parachute deployment
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the aircraft inverts for landing, then the payload is protected from impact loads, but the aircraft requires complex control surface operation for inversion and descent
Solution Approach 1:
The control surfaces serve multiple functions: they enable the inversion maneuver, maintain controlled descent in the inverted orientation, and provide precise positioning control. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single integrated control mechanism, managing complexity through versatile use of existing components
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
Enables accurate and controlled landings with sensitive payloads, reducing exposure risks and costs by protecting the payload from impact loads while maintaining flight control and precision, even in limited spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a wing including an upper surface, a lower surface, and defining an upright orientation for normal aircraft flight
Implementation Method 2
controlling the operation of the one or more control surfaces to at least partially stall the wing while in the inverted orientation to provide for the aircraft to rapidly descend
Implementation Method 3
The upper surface is gravitationally above the lower surface while in the upright orientation, and the lower surface being gravitationally above the upper surface while in the inverted orientation
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft defining an upright orientation and an inverted orientation, a ground station; and a control system for remotely controlling the flight of the aircraft. The ground station has an auto-land function that causes the aircraft to invert, stall, and controllably land in the inverted orientation to protect a payload and a rudder extending down from the aircraft. In the upright orientation, the ground station depicts the view from a first aircraft camera. When switching to the inverted orientation: (1) the ground station depicts the view from a second aircraft camera, (2) the aircraft switches the colors of red and green wing lights, extends the ailerons to act as inverted flaps, and (3) the control system adapts a ground station controller for the inverted orientation. The aircraft landing gear is an expanded polypropylene pad located above the wing when the aircraft is in the upright orientation.