Solar-Powered Flight Vehicle Handover for Continuous Ground Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flight vehicle communication systems struggle to maintain consistent coverage of target areas on the ground due to changing air streams, which affect the efficiency and reliability of wireless communication services.
Innovation Solution
A control device and method that manage a fleet of flight vehicles equipped with solar cell panels and antennas, dynamically adjusting their flight altitudes and methods to optimize energy consumption and coverage, using wind speed information to switch between different operational modes that alternate coverage between vehicles and adjust flight paths to ensure continuous service across target areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single flight vehicle covers the target area continuously, then communication coverage is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the target area into multiple regions and assigns different flight vehicles to cover different regions at different times. The control device manages multiple flight vehicles to segment the coverage task, allowing individual vehicles to conserve energy while maintaining overall area coverage through coordinated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic alternation of coverage duties between multiple flight vehicles. Each vehicle covers the target area during specific time periods and then transitions to energy-saving modes during other periods. This periodic action ensures continuous coverage while allowing individual vehicles to recharge or conserve energy systematically.
2Productivity
If flight vehicles operate at higher altitudes for better coverage, then communication capacity improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the flight altitude of vehicles based on operational requirements. Flight vehicles operate at higher altitudes when communication capacity is prioritized and transition to lower altitudes when energy conservation is needed. The control device manages these dynamic altitude changes to optimize the balance between productivity and energy consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If solar cell panels are used for power generation, then energy autonomy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates solar cell panels into the flight vehicle structure, allowing the same platform to perform both flight operations and power generation. The solar panels are incorporated as a multi-functional component that provides energy autonomy while being part of the vehicle's overall structure, reducing the need for separate power generation systems.
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 approach enhances communication capacity during daylight hours and conserves energy at night by strategically allocating coverage among multiple flight vehicles, ensuring reliable wireless communication services while minimizing power consumption and extending battery life.
Implementation Method 1
a solar cell panel, and an antenna for forming a communication area on the ground to provide wireless communication service for a user terminal in the communication area by using electric power generated by the solar cell panel
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a control device for controlling a flight vehicle including a solar cell panel, and an antenna for forming a communication area on the ground to provide wireless communication service for a user terminal in the communication area by using electric power generated by the solar cell panel. The control device comprises a control unit for controlling a first flight vehicle and a second flight vehicle so that during a first time period, the second flight vehicle of the first flight vehicle and the second flight vehicle is caused not to cover a first target area and the first flight vehicle is caused to cover the first target area, and during a second time period following the first time period, the first flight vehicle is caused not to cover the first target area and the second flight vehicle is caused to cover the first target area.