Radio Triangulation Landing for GPS-Denied UAV Approach
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for precision landing of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in GPS-denied conditions are limited, as ground-based radars are expensive and cumbersome, and vision-based solutions have limited range and challenges during transition phases like VTOL.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing two ground-based radios equipped for two-way timing and ranging, allowing the aerial vehicle to triangulate its location and execute a landing procedure, supplemented by sensors like barometers, radars, or laser altimeters for vertical measurement, and an acquisition orbit for improved accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ground-based radars are used for precision landing, then landing accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ground-based radar systems with a radio-based two-way timing and ranging system. Instead of using complex radar hardware on the ground, the solution uses standard radio communication equipment to achieve precise ranging through time measurement, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses radio signals as a simpler copy or alternative to radar signals for achieving the same landing precision function. By copying the ranging function using available radio equipment rather than dedicated radar systems, the solution reduces complexity while preserving measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If ground-based radars are used for precision landing, then landing accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes complex ground-based radar operations with simpler radio-based two-way timing measurements. The radio system requires less setup and operation complexity while achieving the same precision landing goal, thereby improving ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If vision-based solutions are used for landing, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates during transition phases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal navigation system that works across all flight phases including VTOL transitions. The radio-based ranging system provides consistent measurement precision whether the vehicle is in fixed-wing mode, vertical mode, or transitioning between them, unlike vision systems that fail during transitions. This multi-functionality maintains precision across diverse operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves from vision-based 2D image processing to radio-based 3D spatial positioning through time-of-flight measurements. By adding the time dimension for ranging calculations, the system achieves accurate 3D position determination that works reliably during all flight phases including VTOL transitions where vision systems struggle.
4Device complexity
If vision-based solutions are used for landing, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates in range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces vision-based ranging with radio-based two-way timing measurements. Radio waves travel faster and can be measured with higher precision timing equipment, enabling accurate ranging at much greater distances than vision systems can achieve, thereby improving measurement precision in range without significantly increasing device complexity.
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
Enables precise and accurate landing of UAVs in GPS-denied environments by triangulating location using radio signals and combining with additional sensors for enhanced navigation, providing a cost-effective and flexible solution.
Implementation Method 1
An aerial vehicle receives radio signals from the two ground-based radios and triangulates its location with respect to those two ground-based radios
Implementation Method 2
Each radio is equipped for two-way timing and ranging
Implementation Method 3
The aerial vehicle includes a barometer, radar, or laser altimeter for vertical measurement
Implementation Method 4
The aerial vehicle includes a barometer, radar, or laser altimeter for vertical measurement
Implementation Method 5
The aerial vehicle includes a barometer, radar, or laser altimeter for vertical measurement
Data Source
AI summary
A system utilizes two ground-based radios; each radio is equipped for two-way timing and ranging. An aerial vehicle receives radio signals from the two ground-based radios and triangulates its location with respect to those two ground-based radios. The aerial vehicle then executes a landing procedure at a landing site with respect to the triangulated location. The aerial vehicle includes a barometer, radar, or laser altimeter for vertical measurement. The aerial vehicle also includes an inertial measurement unit (IMU), air data system, and magnetometer. The ground-based radios may supply a ground level altitude measurement. The aerial vehicle may perform an acquisition orbit for improved accuracy. The acquisition orbit provides an expanded range of geometries with respect to the two ground-based radios.