Modular UAV Cell Linkage for Stable Payload Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-copter UAV systems for payload transport are limited by actuation and sensor failures, especially in severe weather conditions, leading to payload oscillation and instability, and lack robustness in group coordination.
Innovation Solution
A configurable unmanned aerial vehicle system with interconnected non-terminal and terminal cells, forming a rigid structure that restricts movement to a single plane, using pivot and movable couplings to prevent collisions and enable stable operation under adverse conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple drones are used for payload transport, then payload capacity and robustness are improved, but payload oscillation and disturbance forces increase in severe weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple drones into a single integrated coordinated system that shares control and navigation functions. The drones are merged into a unified formation that moves as one entity, reducing individual drone oscillations and improving overall payload transport stability through collective coordination rather than independent operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a central controller or coordination mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the drones and the environment. This mediator processes sensor data from all drones, computes coordinated control commands, and distributes them to individual drones, enabling the formation to resist oscillations and disturbance forces collectively rather than individually.
2Ease of operation
If each drone independently executes trajectory control, then individual drone autonomy is improved, but group coordination and stability deteriorate under disturbance forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control architecture where each drone is equipped with multi-functional capabilities: local autonomous control for individual maneuvering, inter-drone communication for formation maintenance, and environmental sensing for disturbance detection. This universal design allows drones to perform multiple functions simultaneously, maintaining both individual autonomy and group coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs continuous feedback mechanisms where each drone monitors its own state and the states of other drones in the formation. Sensor data from all drones is fed back to the coordination system, which adjusts control commands in real-time to maintain formation stability. This feedback loop enables the group to self-correct oscillations and maintain coordination under disturbance forces while preserving individual drone autonomy.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an unmanned vehicle system that includes: a first non-terminal cell enclosing a first plurality of terminal cells, each of the first plurality of terminal cells enclosing a respective unmanned arial vehicle (UAV); a second non-terminal cell enclosing a second plurality of terminal cells, each of the second plurality of terminal cells enclosing a respective UAV; a first non-terminal cell linkage member fixedly coupled to the first non-terminal cell; a second non-terminal cell linkage member movably coupled to the second non-terminal cell; and a non-terminal cell pivot joint to pivotally couple the first and second non-terminal cell linkage members; wherein the first and second non-terminal cells are arranged in a single plane, and first and second non-terminal cell linkage members and the non-terminal cell pivot joint provide controllable movement of the first and second non-terminal cells with respect to one another and within the single plane.