Tethered Rescue UAV with Ground-Penetrating Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) face limitations in performing search and rescue operations and traffic control due to power constraints and the need for human intervention, especially in remote or hazardous locations, and they struggle to carry heavy equipment while maintaining extended flight times without being tethered to a power source.
Innovation Solution
The development of an unmanned aerial system (UAS) equipped with a ground-penetrating sensor, Power Over Ethernet (POE) for power and data reception, and a robotic arm for measuring physiological parameters, allowing the UAV to autonomously search, rescue, and transmit emergency alerts, while also being capable of carrying heavy equipment and maintaining extended flight times using a portable power source and tether system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If UAVs use small lightweight batteries to maintain portability, then ease of operation is improved, but duration of action deteriorates due to quick power depletion
Solution Approach 1:
A tether acts as an intermediary connection between the portable power source and the UAV, enabling continuous power supply during flight. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the UAV to maintain portability while extending flight time through the tethered power connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from purely internal power storage to an external power dimension via tether connection. This dimensional change allows the UAV to access unlimited power supply while maintaining its portable design, effectively resolving the flight time limitation.
2Productivity
If UAVs carry heavy equipment for search and rescue operations, then productivity is improved, but weight of moving object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV is designed with universal mounting capabilities that allow it to carry various heavy equipment modules for different search and rescue functions. The external payload system enables the same UAV platform to perform multiple specialized tasks, improving productivity without requiring multiple different UAV types.
3Ease of operation
If UAVs operate without tethers for extended range, then ease of operation is improved, but use of energy deteriorates due to limited battery capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The tether serves as a mediator that provides continuous power transmission, allowing the UAV to extend its operational range without being constrained by internal battery capacity. This resolves the energy limitation while maintaining operational flexibility.
4Duration of action of moving object
If UAVs use tethered power systems for extended flight time, then duration of action is improved, but device complexity increases due to tether and power converter requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The tether and power converter act as intermediaries that simplify the overall system architecture by providing a straightforward power transmission solution. Rather than requiring complex energy management systems or large battery packs, the tethered connection offers a simple and reliable power supply method.
Data Source
AI summary
An unmanned aerial system (UAS) may comprise an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) configured to search and recover persons and things, collect and produce data of an emergency situation for display on a vehicle navigation system, or explore for natural resources. The UAS may include a landing pad, and/or a sensor such as a ground penetrating sensor configured to search for a person trapped underground. The UAS may be configured to receive data from the one or more sensors. An analyzer may be used to assess surrounding environment and the status of the person or thing, and send a signal to the UAV. The components attached to the UAV may include connectors, a robotic arm, a sensor, and/or a portable power source. The UAS may be configured to, for example, detect an emergency situation and determine the nature and location of the emergency situation. The UAS may be configured to explore for oil, gas, and mineral sources, and/or excavate location using a robotic arm.