Steerable Parachute System for UAV Precision Landing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UAV landing systems lack sufficient steering control, preventing UAVs from selecting and navigating to a desirable landing location.
Innovation Solution
A steerable parachute system for UAVs, comprising a deployable parachute with steerable cables, steering actuators, and sensors, allows the UAV to detect and select a safe landing location and control its descent for precise landing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a ballistic parachute is used for UAV landing, then the landing system is simple, but the steering control capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The parachute system is divided into multiple independent steerable units, each with its own actuator and control mechanism. This segmentation allows independent control of different parachute sections, enabling precise steering while maintaining modular simplicity in the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The parachute system transitions from a static ballistic design to a dynamic steerable configuration. actuators continuously adjust the parachute cable lengths and angles during descent, allowing real-time steering control adaptation to changing flight conditions and terrain requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing parachute systems are used, then the system complexity is low, but the ability to select and navigate to a desirable landing location is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The parachute system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor flight parameters, terrain features, and parachute performance. This feedback is processed by a controller that adjusts actuator commands in real-time, enabling the UAV to autonomously select and navigate to optimal landing locations based on current conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The steerable parachute system enables the UAV to perform its own landing location selection and navigation without external intervention. The integrated sensors, controller, and actuators work autonomously to assess terrain, calculate optimal landing sites, and execute steering maneuvers to reach the selected location.
3Manufacturing precision
If a steerable parachute system with multiple actuators is implemented, then steering control and landing precision are improved, but the system complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the parachute system are assigned different functions and control characteristics. Specific parachute sections are equipped with actuators for steering, while other sections maintain simple ballistic properties. This local differentiation optimizes landing precision where needed while minimizing overall system 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 reliable, efficient, and safe landing in various environments by providing precise control over the parachute's steering, improving the UAV's ability to choose and navigate to a suitable landing site.
Implementation Method 1
a deployable parachute having a plurality of steerable parachute cables
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, a system is described. The system comprises an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) having a UAV control system to control flight of the UAV. The system also comprises a steerable parachute system for parachute-assisted landing. The steerable parachute system comprises (i) a deployable parachute having steerable parachute cables, (ii) steering actuators, each steering actuator coupled to, and movable to adjust, a respective steerable parachute cable, (iii) a steerable parachute controller, and (iv) one or more parachute system sensors communicatively coupled to the steerable parachute controller and configured to detect physical characteristics of a reachable landing zone for the UAV. The steerable parachute controller is configured to (i) select a safe landing location within the reachable landing zone based on the physical characteristics and (ii) control movement of the steering actuators to steer the parachute to land the UAV at the safe landing location.