AAV Propeller Contact Detection for Rapid Safety Shutdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated aerial vehicles (AAVs) pose a risk due to the danger posed by their high-speed propellers, which can harm humans, pets, or other animals if contact is made while the propellers are rotating, and existing technologies do not effectively address the issue of propeller safety.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a control system that detects objects within a selected safety perimeter of the propeller and automatically stops the propeller using various stopping mechanisms, such as removing current, reversing polarity, deploying a stop bar, or disengaging the propeller, to prevent harm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the propeller rotates at high speed to provide thrust, then the productivity and speed of the AAV are improved, but the harmful factors increase due to the danger of contact with the high-speed propeller
Solution Approach 1:
The safety system performs preliminary detection of objects within the safety perimeter before propeller contact occurs. The control system continuously monitors the area around the propeller and prepares stopping mechanisms in advance, enabling the propeller to be stopped immediately upon detecting potential contact, thus preventing harm while maintaining high-speed operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a safety system comprising sensors, control logic, and stopping mechanisms as an intermediary between the high-speed propeller and surrounding objects. This intermediary system detects objects and activates stopping actions to prevent direct contact, allowing the propeller to maintain high speed for productivity while eliminating the harmful contact risk
2Reliability
If the propeller is stopped quickly upon detecting an object, then the safety and reliability are improved, but the loss of time occurs due to interruption of thrust
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the safety perimeter and pre-positions stopping mechanisms (such as electromagnetic brakes or mechanical stops) in ready states. When an object is detected, the pre-prepared stopping system activates immediately, minimizing the time required to stop the propeller and reducing thrust interruption while ensuring safety
3Reliability
If a safety system with object detection and automatic stopping is implemented, then the reliability and safety are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety system is designed to be integrated with the existing AAV control architecture, using multi-functional components that serve both flight control and safety functions. The control system can manage multiple propellers and various stopping mechanisms through a unified control logic, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive safety coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The safety system operates autonomously using onboard sensors, processors, and actuators without requiring external intervention. The system self-monitors the environment, automatically detects objects, and independently activates stopping mechanisms, eliminating the need for complex external safety infrastructure and reducing overall system complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure describes an automated aerial vehicle (AAV) and system for automatically detecting a contact or an imminent contact between a propeller of the AAV and an object (e.g., human, pet, or other animal). When a contact or an imminent contact is detected, a safety profile may be executed to reduce or avoid any potential harm to the object and/or the AAV. For example, if a contact with a propeller of the AAV by an object is detected, the rotation of the propeller may be stopped to avoid harming the object. Likewise, an object detection component may be used to detect an object that is nearing a propeller, stop the rotation of the propeller, and/or navigate the AAV away from the detected object.