Modular Autopilot Architecture for Multi-UAV Mission Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional flight management systems for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are limited by their high integration of components, which reduces flexibility in supporting a wide range of vehicles, payloads, and missions, leading to inflexibility in size, weight, and power allocations.

Innovation Solution

A modular vehicle management system comprising a core module and interchangeable carrier modules, allowing for customization of capabilities such as navigation, power, and interfaces to accommodate various UAV types and missions, with authentication and adaptation processes to ensure compatibility and secure operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If all components of the autopilot are integrated with the flight management system in a single integrated package, then size and cabling are reduced, but flexibility in supporting different aircraft types and missions is greatly decreased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesize of flight management systemVSAvoidflexibility in supporting different aircraft types

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The flight management system is divided into modular components: a core module containing essential flight management functions and interchangeable carrier modules that can be selected based on specific aircraft type and mission requirements. This segmentation allows the system to maintain a compact core while adapting to different platforms through module selection rather than redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The core module is designed with universal interfaces and authentication capabilities that work across multiple aircraft types and mission configurations. The standardized connector and authentication protocol allow the same core module to support diverse carrier modules, providing multi-functionality without requiring separate integrated designs for each aircraft type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If the flight management system is designed to support a narrow class of aircraft with similar specifications, then system design is simplified, but adaptability to different vehicles, payloads, and missions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomplexity of flight management system designVSAvoidsupport for diverse vehicles and missions

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates dynamic authentication and capability detection that automatically adapts to the connected carrier module. The core module detects the attached carrier module's capabilities through authentication protocols and adjusts its operation accordingly, allowing a single design to dynamically support multiple aircraft types and mission configurations without requiring complex pre-programming for each scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If interchangeable carrier modules with different capabilities are used, then flexibility and adaptability are enhanced, but system complexity and authentication requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in configurationVSAvoidcomplexity of authentication and adaptation processes

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication and capability detection process is automated through self-service mechanisms. When a carrier module is connected, the core module automatically performs authentication, detects capabilities, and configures the system without requiring manual intervention or complex external configuration processes. This reduces the perceived complexity for users while maintaining robust security and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12259725B2Modular flight management system incorporating an autopilot

Publication Date: 2025.03.25 SKYDIO INC

AI summary

A modular vehicle management system is described, comprising a controller module configured to control different types of carrier modules. The controller module includes a computer system and optionally one or more sensors. The computer system is configured to perform operations comprising detecting whether a carrier module is connected to the controller module. If the carrier module is connected to the controller module, the carrier module is authenticated. If the authentication fails, operation of the vehicle is inhibited. The control module is configured to determine carrier module capabilities including information regarding a navigation processing device, and/or a radio modem. The controller adapts to the capabilities of the controller module. Using information from the sensors and the navigation processing device, the vehicle management system navigates the vehicle.