Modular Flying Vehicle Surfaces With Mid-Flight Reconfiguration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional flying apparatuses face limitations in energy efficiency and configurational flexibility due to centralized control and power supply systems, which restrict their operational capabilities and potential uses.

Innovation Solution

The development of individual flying vehicles with onboard controllers, power units, and connectors that enable decentralized control and dynamic reconfiguration, allowing them to form interconnected flying surfaces with rigid, flexible, or dynamically adjustable joints, and the ability to transmit control signals and share power wirelessly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If centralized onboard control and power supply units are used, then control and power management is simplified, but configurational flexibility and operational capabilities are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol system structureVSAvoidconfigurational flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The flying apparatus is divided into multiple independently controllable flying vehicles, each with its own controller and power supply. This segmentation allows each unit to operate autonomously while maintaining simplified individual control systems, thereby achieving configurational flexibility without increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables dynamic reconfiguration of flying vehicles into different formations and configurations based on operational requirements. Controllers can adjust the spatial arrangement and connectivity of flying vehicles in real-time, providing adaptability while maintaining manageable control through standardized communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If rigid plurality of thrust units are controlled centrally, then power supply and control is simplified, but physical configuration options are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply structureVSAvoidphysical configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Each flying vehicle carries its own power supply unit, eliminating the need for complex centralized power distribution across the entire apparatus. This allows thrust units to be distributed throughout the structure without being constrained by centralized power supply limitations, enabling diverse physical configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each flying vehicle is designed as a universal module capable of performing multiple functions and being positioned in various locations within the apparatus. The standardized interface and control system allow the same physical unit to serve different roles in different configurations, expanding physical configuration options without increasing power supply complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If electrically powered motors with multiple propellers are used, then maneuvering and control flexibility is improved, but energy consumption and battery mass increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaneuvering flexibilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the total thrust requirement across multiple independently controlled flying vehicles, each with its own motor and propeller. This allows selective activation of individual units based on maneuvering needs, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining flexibility. Only the necessary number of thrust units are activated at any given time rather than all units operating continuously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs partial action by activating only the minimum necessary number of flying vehicles and thrust units required for current operational demands. Rather than all motors and propellers operating at full capacity continuously, the system dynamically adjusts the number and power level of active thrust units, reducing energy consumption while preserving maneuvering flexibility when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS12140945B2Modular and dynamically reconfigurable flying systems encompassing flying vehicle modules

Publication Date: 2024.11.12 CALIFORNIA INST OF TECH

AI summary

A flying surface may comprise a plurality of interconnectable flying vehicles configured for mid-flight reconfiguration of the flying surface. Each flying vehicle may be entirely self-sufficient, including an onboard thrust unit, an onboard controller, an onboard power unit, and connectors configured to engage corresponding connectors of other flying vehicles to form a flying surface. The flying vehicles may additionally be configured for self-control, thereby enabling a distributed control model for a flying surface that does not require significant, centralized processing power and corresponding power storage. The flying surfaces may dynamically reconfigure mid-flight by attaching or detaching flying vehicles so as to enable a wide variety of in-flight maneuvers.