Radar Landing Marker for UAV Precision Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) face challenges in locating landing markers, especially in low-light or adverse weather conditions, as existing image sensors are not effective in these situations, leading to difficulties in precise delivery.
Innovation Solution
The use of radar-based landing markers that either absorb or disperse radar signals, creating a 'hole' in the radar image, or actively transmit modulated responses to help UAVs detect their location, allowing for delivery without the need for additional visual detection systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If image sensors are used to detect landing markers, then the UAV can identify the landing marker in normal conditions, but the detection effectiveness deteriorates in low-light or adverse weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical image sensor system with a radar-based detection system. The landing marker is designed with radar-absorbent materials that create a distinct radar signature, allowing the UAV to detect the marker using radar signals instead of visual sensors. This substitution eliminates the limitations of image sensors in low-light and adverse weather conditions, as radar waves can penetrate through smoke, fog, and darkness to reliably detect the landing marker.
2Reliability
If additional visual detection systems are added to improve landing marker detection, then detection capability improves, but the weight and complexity of onboard systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the radar system multi-functional by designing the landing marker with specific radar-absorbent properties that create a recognizable signature. The same radar system used for general navigation and obstacle detection can now also detect and identify the landing marker through its unique radar signature. This eliminates the need for separate visual detection systems, reducing overall system weight and complexity while maintaining enhanced detection capability.
3Reliability
If radar-absorbent materials are used in the landing marker, then the UAV can detect the marker through radar signals, but the radar reflection from the marker is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the concept of 'radar color' by designing the landing marker with specific radar-absorbent materials and geometric patterns that create a distinctive radar signature. Instead of reflecting radar signals like traditional markers, the radar-absorbent materials cause the marker to appear as a 'radar dark' region or create a specific absorption pattern that is easily distinguishable from the surrounding environment. This allows the UAV to detect the marker through the absence or specific pattern of radar reflection rather than through strong reflection.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables UAVs to detect and determine the position of landing markers using radar, enhancing delivery precision and reducing the weight and complexity of onboard systems, thereby improving speed, range, and performance.
Implementation Method 1
The landing marker can be composed of various materials and/or formed in a variety of shapes or profiles to create a landing marker that absorbs at least some of incoming radar signals
Implementation Method 2
The landing marker can be composed of various materials and/or formed in a variety of shapes or profiles to create a landing marker that absorbs at least some of incoming radar signals and/or disperses or scatters a portion of the radar signals reflected off of the landing marker
Implementation Method 3
The transponder can be configured to receive an incoming radar signal and transmit a modulated response
Data Source
AI summary
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) landing marker transmits a reply signal in response to receiving radar signals emitted by a UAV. The landing marker can include a passive transponder that emits the reply signal, with the reply signal being a harmonic of the fundamental frequency of the radar signal emitted by the UAV. The landing marker can also include a transmitter to transmit the reply signal. Additionally, the landing marker can include sensors to monitor the environment about the landing marker and this environmental information can be transmitted to the UAV as part of the reply signal.