MAV Base Station Segmentation for Extended Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Micro air vehicles (MAVs) face limitations due to their smaller size, including restricted processing power, data transmission range, and shorter operational range, as well as susceptibility to environmental conditions and the need for human intervention, which can lead to detection and increased maintenance requirements.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a platform, battery system, power generation system, charging stations, and a controller that houses and powers multiple MAVs, allowing for autonomous operation, extended range through base station networking, and reduced detectability by generating energy from the environment and transmitting sensor data remotely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If micro air vehicles are used to reduce size and cost, then ease of manufacture and operation in large numbers is improved, but processing power, data transmission range, and operational range are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides functionality between the MAV (sensing and data collection) and the base station (processing and communication). The MAV transmits raw sensor data to the base station, which performs the computationally intensive processing and handles long-range communication, allowing the MAV to remain small while maintaining high processing capabilities through the distributed architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station acts as an intermediary between the MAV and the remote location. It receives sensor data from the MAV, processes the information, and transmits the processed results to the remote location, thereby extending the effective data transmission range beyond the MAV's direct communication capabilities.
2Ease of manufacture
If micro air vehicles are used to reduce size, then ease of operation in large numbers is improved, but operational range is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The base station serves as a communication intermediary that receives data from the MAV via short-range transmission and re-transmits processed information over long distances to remote locations, effectively extending the operational range of the MAV without requiring the MAV itself to have long-range communication capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the communication function into different spatial and functional dimensions: the MAV operates in the aerial domain for data collection, while the base station handles the long-range communication dimension, allowing the MAV to remain small without sacrificing operational range.
3Extent of automation
If micro air vehicles operate autonomously to reduce human intervention, then detectability is reduced, but maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The MAV performs self-service functions including autonomous navigation to collection points, automatic data transmission to the base station, and self-charging at docking stations. This autonomy reduces human intervention and detectability while the base station provides centralized monitoring and maintenance coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station receives feedback from the MAV in the form of sensor data and operational status information, enabling remote monitoring and diagnostic capabilities that allow maintenance to be performed proactively without increasing the MAV's physical complexity or detectability.
4Ease of manufacture
If micro air vehicles are used to reduce size, then cost is reduced, but susceptibility to environmental conditions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the operational functions between the MAV and base station, allowing the MAV to be small and cost-effective while the base station provides protected processing and communication facilities that are not subject to environmental conditions during operation.
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 extended operation of MAVs with reduced human intervention, increased range, and decreased detectability, while providing protection from environmental conditions and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
The power generation system is configured to generate electrical energy from an environment in which the platform is located, and store the electrical energy in the battery system
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus comprising a platform, a battery system, a power generation system, a number of charging stations, and a controller. The platform is configured to house a number of unmanned aerial vehicles. The power generation system is connected to the battery system. The power generation system is configured to generate electrical energy from an environment in which the platform is located, and store the electrical energy in the battery system. The number of charging stations is connected to the battery system. The controller is connected to the battery system and is configured to receive sensor data from the number of unmanned aerial vehicles, generate information from the sensor data, and send the information to a remote location.