Standalone Altitude Sensor for UAVs
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of real-time, stand-alone altitude monitoring systems for small recreational UAVs that can continuously transmit and display altitude to remote pilots, posing challenges for regulatory compliance and safety, as existing systems either do not provide real-time data or require post-flight analysis and use mean sea level altitude instead of above ground level altitude.
Innovation Solution
A stand-alone altitude monitoring system comprising an airborne altitude sensing transmitter subsystem (AASTS) and a ground-based remote receiver/display subsystem (RRDS) that removably attaches to the UAV and displays altitude in real-time, using altitude sensors like barometric pressure sensors and RF transmission to provide accurate above ground level altitude data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If professional UAVs with integrated navigation systems are used, then altitude monitoring capability is provided, but the system cannot be adapted to smaller recreational UAVs due to integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the altitude sensing function from the integrated navigation system of professional UAVs and creates a standalone altitude monitoring system. This extracted system uses a barometric pressure sensor, microcontroller, and RF transmitter that can be independently attached to any small recreational UAV without requiring integration with the UAV's existing navigation system, thereby achieving both altitude monitoring capability and adaptability to different UAV sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the altitude monitoring function into a separate, modular standalone unit with its own sensor, processor, and transmission components. This segmentation allows the system to operate independently of the UAV's main control system while providing real-time altitude data through RF communication to the remote pilot's hand controller
2Adaptability or versatility
If stand-alone altitude measuring devices are used, then the device can be attached to small UAVs, but real-time remote transmission of altitude data is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the standalone altitude sensor continuously measures barometric pressure, the microcontroller processes this data to calculate altitude above ground level, and the RF transmitter sends this altitude information in real-time back to the remote pilot's hand controller. This closed-loop feedback system ensures the pilot receives continuous real-time altitude data without requiring post-flight analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an RF transmitter as an intermediary component that bridges the standalone altitude sensor and the remote pilot's hand controller. This intermediary enables wireless real-time transmission of altitude data from the UAV to the ground station, allowing the pilot to monitor altitude continuously during flight without direct physical connection
3Measurement precision
If mean sea level altitude is used, then altitude can be measured, but above ground level altitude information is not provided which is required for regulatory compliance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by having the system automatically determine the ground level elevation at the operating location before flight, store this baseline value, and use it to continuously calculate and display altitude above ground level. This preliminary establishment of the reference level eliminates the need for manual MSL to AGL conversions during flight operations, ensuring regulatory compliance is easily maintained
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the altitude measurement parameter from mean sea level (MSL) to above ground level (AGL) by using barometric pressure measurements and automatically referencing them against the local ground elevation. This parameter transformation is performed automatically by the microcontroller, providing directly applicable AGL data for FAA compliance without requiring manual calculations or conversions by the pilot
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 continuous, real-time altitude monitoring and display, ensuring regulatory compliance and enhancing safety by providing accurate AGL altitude data to remote pilots, allowing for immediate awareness of altitude limits and reducing the risk of altitude-related incidents.
Implementation Method 1
using altitude sensors like barometric pressure sensors
Implementation Method 2
RF transmission to provide accurate above ground level altitude data
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises an apparatus and method for real-time readout of a recreational drone or UAV altitude. The invention includes an airborne sensor/transmitter unit and a ground based receiver/display unit. The airborne unit is removably attached to the flying vehicle and carried aloft. The ground based receiver/display unit is associated with the ground based operator (pilot) of the UAV. The airborne unit comprises an altitude sensor module, an RF transmitter module and a microcontroller/processor system. The ground based receiver/display unit comprises an RF receiver module, a microcontroller/processor system and a display system. UAV altitude sensed by the altitude sensor is transmitted to the ground unit for display in real-time. The invention facilitates the pilot's situational awareness, enhances safe operation and aids in compliance with applicable regulations.