Modular Flying Surfaces With Mid-Flight Reconfiguration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional flying apparatuses face limitations in energy efficiency and physical configuration due to centralized control and power supply systems, which restrict their operational flexibility and potential uses.
Innovation Solution
The development of individual flying vehicles with onboard controllers, power units, and thrust units that can form interconnected flying surfaces through dynamic connectors, enabling decentralized control and reconfiguration for various operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If centralized control and power supply systems are used in traditional flying apparatuses, then the control structure is simplified and easier to implement, but the operational flexibility and physical configuration options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the flying apparatus into multiple independent flying vehicles, each with its own controller and power supply. This segmentation allows each vehicle to operate autonomously while maintaining simplicity in individual vehicle design, while the collective system gains operational flexibility through multiple independently controllable units that can be configured in various formations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent flying vehicles with onboard controllers are used, then operational versatility and reconfigurability are improved, but the system complexity and coordination requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfigurability where flying vehicles can change their formation and connectivity states during operation. Controllers dynamically adjust control signals based on real-time connectivity states, allowing the system to adapt its configuration for different operational requirements while maintaining manageable complexity through state-based control logic.
3Use of energy by moving object
If flying vehicles form interconnected flying surfaces, then the energy efficiency is improved through distributed thrust generation, but the mechanical complexity of connectors and joints increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs connectors that serve multiple functions: mechanical connection between vehicles, transmission of control signals, and potentially power transfer. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing overall mechanical complexity while enabling energy-efficient distributed thrust generation through coordinated vehicle operation.
4Ease of operation
If decentralized control is implemented across multiple flying vehicles, then operational autonomy and flexibility are improved, but the control coordination and communication requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where controllers monitor connectivity states and adjust control signals accordingly. Each vehicle's controller receives feedback about its connection status to neighboring vehicles and autonomously adjusts its thrust and orientation to maintain the desired formation, enabling operational autonomy while managing coordination complexity through distributed feedback-based control.
Data Source
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.