PCB Structural Fuselage for UAV Self-Diagnostic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have limited self-diagnostic capabilities and are often too expensive for many applications, requiring extensive ground-based computational resources and user intervention for flight control and diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
The use of printed circuit boards (PCBs) as the primary structural and electrical components in the UAV's fuselage, enabling embedded sensors and diagnostic systems for real-time monitoring and control, reducing the need for external wiring and enhancing the vehicle's autonomy and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If ground-based computational resources are used to control and monitor the UAV, then the UAV can perform basic flight operations, but the UAV has limited self-diagnostic capability and requires user intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the structural fuselage components with printed circuit boards that contain diagnostic circuits. The PCBs are integrated into the side boards and transverse boards of the fuselage, combining mechanical structure with electronic diagnostic functionality. This allows the UAV to have onboard self-diagnostic capability without adding separate complex computational systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The printed circuit boards serve multiple functions: they provide the structural framework of the fuselage, conduct electrical signals for flight control, and enable self-diagnostic monitoring of the UAV's condition. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated diagnostic systems while enhancing automation.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional UAV construction methods are used, then the UAV can be manufactured with standard components, but the cost is too high for many applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fuselage structure with printed circuit boards, eliminating the need for separate structural components and wiring harnesses. This integration reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while simultaneously improving diagnostic capability through embedded monitoring circuits in the structural elements themselves.
3Reliability
If extensive wiring is used for sensors and control systems, then the UAV can achieve comprehensive monitoring, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates sensors and monitoring circuits directly into the printed circuit board structure of the fuselage. This eliminates the need for extensive external wiring to connect sensors to the control system, as the diagnostic circuits are embedded within the structural boards themselves, reducing both complexity and potential points of failure.
Data Source
AI summary
An unmanned aerial vehicle, comprising: a fuselage having a first side board and a second side board spaced apart and connected by at least one transverse board; the first side board, the second side board, and the at least one transverse board being printed circuit boards; at least one of the first side board, the second side board, and the at least one transverse board having formed and mounted thereon conductive traces and at least one component, respectively, for controlling and monitoring the unmanned aerial vehicle; first and second wings mounted to the fuselage; and, a tail mounted to the fuselage.