Modular UAV Surface Attachment for Multi-Angle Inspection Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for inspecting inaccessible or hazardous industrial spaces are hazardous for personnel, costly, and provide limited visualization, requiring extensive planning and shutting down operations.
Innovation Solution
A remotely controlled or autonomous aerial inspection vehicle equipped with an airframe, propulsion units, flight controller, sensors, and modular landing structures for unrestricted motion and multi-angle access, enabling complete visualization and sensor deployment in open and enclosed spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional visual inspection equipment or magnetically attaching rovers are used, then inspection can be performed in hazardous spaces, but motion capability is limited and complete visualization cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system is divided into multiple independent aerial vehicles that can operate separately and cooperatively. Each vehicle carries its own sensors and can independently navigate to different locations, allowing comprehensive coverage of complex structures without the motion limitations of single-point inspection devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from ground-based or surface-attached inspection devices to three-dimensional aerial vehicles that can hover and move freely in space. This dimensional change enables inspection of hard-to-reach areas, overhead structures, and complex geometries that conventional crawlers or magnetic rovers cannot access
2Reliability
If human personnel are employed for inspection, then detailed visual assessment can be performed, but safety risks and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The aerial vehicles are equipped with autonomous navigation capabilities, onboard sensors, and self-contained power systems that allow them to perform inspection tasks independently without requiring human presence in hazardous environments. The vehicles self-navigate to target locations, self-adjust sensor orientations, and self-manage inspection procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces human physical inspection with automated aerial vehicles equipped with visual sensors, thermal sensors, and other detection devices. This substitution eliminates exposure to hazardous atmospheres, confined spaces, and dangerous conditions while maintaining inspection capabilities through electronic sensing and remote operation
3Quantity of substance
If conventional inspection methods are used, then some inspection data can be collected, but inspection time and operational downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The aerial vehicles can continuously navigate and inspect multiple targets without requiring shutdown of operational equipment. The vehicles fly around active structures, collect data in real-time, and can switch between inspection targets seamlessly, eliminating the need to stop production or operation for inspection purposes
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection process creates a non-intrusive environment where aerial vehicles operate independently of the inspected system's operational state. Unlike methods requiring system shutdown or disassembly, the vehicles can inspect running equipment, active pipelines, and operational structures without affecting their function or requiring operational interruptions
Data Source
AI summary
A modular aerial vehicle for inspection of enclosed and open space environments. The aerial vehicle is employed for inspection of various environments in remotely controlled and autonomous fashions. The aerial vehicle is capable of carrying different sensory modules depending on the specific application including surface inspection. Aerial vehicle may be connected to a tether cable for electrical power delivery and transmission of control commands. The aerial vehicle may utilize a landing structure which allows landing on any angled metallic or non-metallic surface.