Tethered UAV Spooling for Constant Tension and Power Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems face limitations in power management and tether management, particularly in maintaining optimal tension and reducing mechanical failure, complexity, and cost, while also lacking adaptability between battery-powered and tethered operations.
Innovation Solution
A modular aerial vehicle system with a spooling apparatus that maintains constant tether tension using a motor and spring mechanism, and a modular design allowing switching between battery-powered and tethered configurations, including a portable control station for efficient power and communication management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a motor and spring mechanism is used to maintain constant tether tension, then mechanical failure is reduced and operational reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a motor-driven spooling apparatus as an intermediary mechanism between the tether and the UAV. This apparatus actively manages tether deployment and retrieval while maintaining constant tension through coordinated motor control and spring mechanics, thereby improving reliability without directly modifying the UAV's core flight systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the tension parameter of the tether during operation. By using a motor to control the spooling rate and a spring to provide baseline tension, the system maintains optimal tension levels despite changes in UAV altitude, speed, and environmental conditions, resolving the contradiction between tension stability and system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If a modular design allowing switching between battery-powered and tethered configurations is implemented, then adaptability and operational flexibility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power supply system into modular segments: a battery subsystem and a tethered power subsystem. Each module can be independently activated or deactivated based on operational requirements. The battery provides autonomous power for short missions, while the tethered system extends operational duration, allowing flexible adaptation without integrating all components simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically reconfigures its power architecture based on mission needs. During battery-powered operation, the tether spooling apparatus is inactive; during tethered operation, the motor engages to manage tether deployment. This dynamic switching capability provides adaptability while minimizing the complexity of having both systems integrated at all times
3Duration of action of moving object
If extended flight times are achieved through tethered power supply, then mission duration is improved, but tether management complexity and mechanical failure risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spooling apparatus is designed to autonomously manage tether deployment and retrieval based on real-time feedback from tension sensors and position data. The motor automatically adjusts spooling rate to maintain constant tension, and the spring provides passive tension maintenance during transient phases, reducing the need for complex active control systems and minimizing mechanical failure risk during extended operations
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 system enables extended flight times, reduced mechanical failure, and cost-effectiveness by maintaining optimal tether tension and allowing seamless switching between power sources, enhancing operational flexibility and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A modular aerial vehicle system with a spooling apparatus that maintains constant tether tension using a motor and spring mechanism
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
The present invention relates to systems and methods for powering and controlling flight of an unmanned aerial vehicle. The unmanned aerial vehicles can be used in a networked system under common control and operation and can be used for a variety of applications. Selected embodiments can operate while tethered to a portable control station. A high speed tether management system can be used to facilitate both mobile and static tethered operation. Modular components provide for both tethered and fully autonomous flight operations.