Unified Machine and Drone Control for Continuous Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automation systems lack an efficient method to integrate unmanned aircraft for supporting the operation of machines and installations, limiting their operational efficiency and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A control device is designed to control both machines and unmanned aircraft, acting as an automation controller that synchronizes their operations, allowing the unmanned aircraft to be co-integrated as a further movement axis, enabling efficient task execution and energy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If unmanned aircraft are integrated into automation systems to support machine operations, then operational efficiency and flexibility are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control of unmanned aircraft with the existing automation control system by integrating the aircraft as an additional movement axis. The control device that already manages machine movements is extended to also control the unmanned aircraft, merging two control functions into one unified system. This reduces overall system complexity while enabling the aircraft to perform tasks such as transporting parts, monitoring operations, and supporting maintenance activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device is designed with universal capabilities to control both traditional machine movement axes and the unmanned aircraft. This multi-functional control approach allows the same control system to manage diverse operations including material transport, machine operation, and aerial support tasks, thereby improving operational efficiency without requiring separate dedicated control systems for each function.
2Productivity
If unmanned aircraft are used to transport parts and perform tasks autonomously, then machine standstill due to missing parts is avoided, but energy management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the control device continuously monitors the operational state of machines, the position and status of unmanned aircraft, and energy consumption levels. This feedback enables real-time optimization of energy usage, allowing the system to dynamically adjust aircraft operations based on actual needs, thereby maintaining machine continuity while managing energy consumption efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The unmanned aircraft are equipped with autonomous navigation and task execution capabilities, allowing them to independently transport parts, monitor machine operations, and return to charging stations when needed. This self-service approach reduces the need for constant human intervention and simplifies energy management by allowing the aircraft to autonomously optimize their own energy usage patterns.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple unmanned aircraft are integrated into the automation system, then task execution flexibility is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system divides the automation tasks into distinct segments that can be independently assigned to different unmanned aircraft. Each aircraft operates as an independent module with its own control parameters, allowing the system to manage multiple aircraft through modular control. This segmentation enables flexible task distribution while keeping the control complexity manageable by treating each aircraft as a separate controllable unit within the unified control device.
Data Source
AI summary
An automation system, comprising a control device for controlling at least one machine, and at least one unmanned aircraft. The control device is designed to control the unmanned aircraft to support an operation of the machine.