Tethered UAV Sensor Arm for Elevated Surface Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing elevated surfaces require workers to use dangerous equipment like ladders, hoists, and scaffolding, exposing them to hazardous conditions and being extremely time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system equipped with a resilient adjustable sensor arm that can maneuver near a surface, allowing for contact or close proximity sensing without the need for human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If workers use ladders, hoists, or scaffolding to access elevated surfaces for testing, then testing can be performed on elevated surfaces, but worker safety is compromised and testing time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical systems of ladders, hoists, and scaffolding with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that can autonomously navigate to and perform testing on elevated surfaces. The UAV carries sensors and testing equipment, eliminating the need for workers to physically access dangerous heights while maintaining efficient testing capabilities through automated operation
Solution Approach 2:
The UAV system performs testing operations autonomously without requiring human workers to physically access the elevated surfaces. The system self-navigates to target locations, self-adjusts its position using resilient sensor arms for optimal sensing, and self-completes testing operations, thereby eliminating worker exposure to hazards while maintaining productivity
2Ease of operation
If workers position themselves at extreme heights using dangerous equipment, then surface testing can be performed, but worker exposure to hazardous conditions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the dangerous mechanical access equipment (ladders, scaffolding, hoists) with an aerial robotic system that navigates to elevated surfaces autonomously. The UAV carries the necessary sensing and testing equipment, allowing surface access and testing to be performed from a safe distance while maintaining full operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
The UAV acts as an intermediary between the testing operator and the elevated surface. It carries sensors and testing devices to the target location, performs measurements, and transmits data back to operators who remain safely on the ground, thereby mediating the interaction between human operators and hazardous environments
3Productivity
If traditional testing equipment is used on elevated surfaces, then testing operations can be completed, but the complexity of equipment setup and deployment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions (navigation, positioning, sensing, and testing operations) into a single integrated UAV platform. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate setup of ladders, scaffolding, and testing equipment, as all capabilities are unified in the aerial vehicle, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full testing functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The UAV employs dynamic, adjustable sensor arms that can resiliently adapt to surface contours and positioning requirements during flight. This dynamic capability replaces static, pre-configured testing equipment setups, allowing the system to adapt to various elevated surface geometries without requiring complex pre-arrangement of equipment
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 UAV system enables safe and efficient testing of elevated surfaces by reducing the risk of accidents and minimizing the time required for testing operations.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor arm being resilient to impact forces caused by direct contact of the sensor or sensor arm with the surface to bend, spring or swivel relative to a contour of the surface
Data Source
AI summary
A method for performing one or more tasks on a surface via an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or aerial robotics system (ARS) includes tethering a first UAV to a ceiling, a vertical wall, or a second UAV via a tethering cord with an extendible and retractable length, performing at least one task via the first UAV to an object during flight of the first UAV, sensing at least one parameter of the surface of the object via a task sensor, and resiliently adjusting an adjustable sensor arm of the first UAV to facilitate performance of the task(s). The adjustable sensor arm may support the task sensor and be resilient to impact forces caused by direct contact of the task sensor or the adjustable sensor arm with the surface. The tethering cord may be extended or retracted via at least one motor while the first UAV performs the task(s).