Swivelable Mirror Payload Module for Stratospheric Drone Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-altitude drones with fixed optical payloads suffer from low precision in image capture due to vulnerability to winds and limited swath width, requiring multiple passes over the area of interest.
Innovation Solution
A payload module with a swivelable mirror and an opening in the casing that allows light rays to pass through over the entire angular range of the mirror, enabling a wider swath and reduced mass, and incorporating thermal protection and insulation for operation in stratospheric conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the optical payload has a fixed line of sight, then the structure is simple and stable, but the precision in capturing images is low due to inability to adapt to drone position and path changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the mirror swivelable about at least one axis within an angular range, allowing the line of sight to adapt dynamically to the drone's position and path changes. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the optical system to maintain precision despite variations in drone orientation, resolving the contradiction between fixed simplicity and adaptive precision.
2Area of stationary object
If the swath width is limited, then the optical equipment can be compact, but the field of view is insufficient to compensate for low precision over the observed area
Solution Approach 1:
The swivelable mirror enables the optical system to dynamically adjust its line of sight across a wider angular range, effectively increasing the swath width without requiring a proportionally larger optical equipment. The dynamic positioning allows the same compact sensor to capture a broader area by sweeping through different angles, resolving the contradiction between compactness and swath width.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the drone flies at low speed to be powered by solar energy, then energy efficiency is improved, but the drone becomes vulnerable to winds and prone to tilting or drifting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using sensors to detect the drone's actual position and orientation, then feeding this information to the control system which adjusts the mirror's swivel angle accordingly. This feedback loop compensates for wind-induced tilting and drifting, maintaining image capture precision despite reduced flight speed and increased vulnerability to atmospheric conditions.
4Weight of moving object
If the payload module mass is reduced, then the drone's solar energy efficiency is improved, but the structural strength and thermal protection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining lightweight materials with thermal protective coatings and insulating layers in the payload module housing. This allows the structure to maintain sufficient strength and thermal protection while minimizing mass, resolving the contradiction between weight reduction and structural integrity for solar-powered operation.
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
The module achieves greater precision and a wider swath width, reducing the need for multiple passes and enhancing operational efficiency while maintaining reduced mass and aerodynamic stability.
Implementation Method 1
a mirror positioned on the optical axis facing the optical equipment, the mirror being swivelable about at least one axis, within an angular range, and in that the casing has a through-opening shaped so that any light ray accepted or emitted by the optical equipment parallel to the optical axis and reflected by the mirror passes through the through-opening
Data Source
AI summary
A payload module (1) of a stratospheric drone including: a casing (10), and a piece of optical equipment (20) comprising an optical axis, mounted in the casing, wherein the module being includes a mirror (40) positioned on the optical axis facing the optical equipment, the mirror being swivelable about at least one axis, within an angular range, wherein the casing has a through-opening (11) shaped so that any light ray received or emitted by the optical equipment parallel to the optical axis and reflected by the mirror passes through the through-opening, over the entire angular range of the mirror.