Aerial Vehicle Landing Sensor Mapping for Obstruction Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerial vehicles face challenges in safely landing due to obstructions, especially in low light conditions, where it is difficult to detect obstacles between the vehicle and the landing area.
Innovation Solution
A device is attached to the aerial vehicle, equipped with distance measurement sensors and a processor that adjusts the angle of these sensors based on altitude and pressure data to map the landing area, ensuring a safe landing zone by detecting and adjusting for obstructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If distance measurement sensors are used to detect obstructions, then landing safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the detection task into multiple sensors positioned at different locations and angles. Multiple distance measurement sensors are distributed around the vehicle to collectively cover the entire landing zone, with each sensor handling a specific sector rather than requiring one complex omnidirectional sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The distance measurement sensors serve multiple functions: they detect obstructions, map the landing zone topography, determine safe landing areas, and provide data for real-time trajectory adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are deployed to map the landing area, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensors operate in periodic scanning cycles rather than continuously. The system performs sequential sweeps across different angular positions and adjusts the scanning frequency based on the vehicle's altitude and approach phase, reducing energy consumption while maintaining detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system dynamically adjusts its operation based on flight phase. During critical low-altitude phases, scanning frequency increases for higher precision, while during higher altitude phases, scanning reduces to conserve energy. The angular positions and measurement intervals are adaptively modified throughout the landing sequence.
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 enhances the safety of aerial vehicle landings by providing real-time data on the landing area, allowing for adjustments to avoid obstructions and ensuring a safe landing, even in low light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a distance measurement device coupled to the rotation section and configured to obtain a distance from the attachment device to a surface
Implementation Method 2
obtain sensor data corresponding to altitude of the attachment device or an aerial vehicle attached thereto
Data Source
AI summary
A device attachable to an aerial vehicle that incorporates electronics to control sensor position data and verify safety of aerial vehicle landing area. The device may be easily attached to an existing aerial vehicle. The device monitors sensor data from one or more distance measuring sensors and pressure sensors to set an angle of incidence for the distance measuring sensors. This pressure sensor derived angle setting allows for a continual data mapping of the aerial vehicles landing area to enhance and improve the landing zone.