UAS Air Sampling Scoop With Ducted Fan For Atmospheric Data
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for weather observation are expensive, operationally restrictive, and require significant operator oversight, limiting their widespread use for accurately measuring atmospheric conditions within the atmospheric boundary layer.
Innovation Solution
An unmanned aerial system (UAS) with a modular design, featuring a frame with motorized rotors, a flight control module, and a sensor package including an air sampling scoop with a ducted fan and internal sensors, capable of measuring atmospheric conditions and determining wind speed by evaluating pitch while facing the wind in a horizontally stationary position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current unmanned aircraft systems are used for weather observation, then atmospheric conditions can be measured, but the systems are expensive and require significant operator oversight
Solution Approach 1:
The UAS is equipped with autonomous flight control capabilities and automated weather data collection systems that enable the aircraft to perform weather observation tasks independently without requiring continuous human intervention or significant operator oversight during operation
Solution Approach 2:
Manual operational control is replaced with automated flight control systems and electronic instrumentation that automatically measure and record atmospheric parameters, substituting human-operated mechanical systems with self-regulating electronic control and measurement systems
2Measurement precision
If current unmanned aircraft systems are used for weather observation, then atmospheric conditions can be measured, but the systems are expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The UAS is designed with modular components including separate flight control modules, sensor packages, and air sampling systems that can be manufactured independently and assembled, allowing for cost-effective production and potential use of off-the-shelf components
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs relatively simple, cost-effective sensor packages and air sampling equipment that can be manufactured at lower costs compared to traditional weather observation systems, making the overall UAS more affordable despite the trade-off of potentially shorter component lifespans
3Measurement precision
If current unmanned aircraft systems are used for weather observation, then atmospheric conditions can be measured, but the systems are subject to restrictive operational limits
Solution Approach 1:
The UAS features dynamically adjustable operational parameters including variable flight paths, adaptable sampling rates, and flexible sensor configurations that allow the system to operate under diverse atmospheric conditions and mission requirements without restrictive operational limits
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed with multi-functional capabilities including weather data collection, flight control, and various sampling modes that enable it to perform multiple weather observation tasks across different operational scenarios, reducing the need for specialized equipment for each condition
4Measurement precision
If a ducted fan is added to draw air through the sampling scoop, then air sampling accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ducted fan is integrated directly into the air sampling scoop assembly, combining the air drawing function with the sampling structure in a single unified component rather than separate systems, thereby improving air sampling accuracy while minimizing the increase in overall device 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
The UAS provides enhanced, cost-effective, and accurate measurements of atmospheric conditions, including temperature, humidity, and wind speed, reducing operational costs and increasing accessibility for atmospheric monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a ducted fan inside the air sampling scoop. The ducted fan is configured to draw air through the air sampling scoop in contact with the first sensor
Implementation Method 2
a flight control module that includes a computer programmable flight control board. The unmanned aerial system further includes a sensor package that has an air sampling scoop, a first sensor positioned inside the air sampling scoop
Data Source
AI summary
An unmanned aerial system (UAS) adapted to measure one or more atmospheric conditions has a frame and a plurality of motorized rotors suspended on arms extending outward from the frame. The UAS further includes a flight control module that includes a computer programmable flight control board and a sensor package that has an air sampling scoop, a first sensor positioned inside the air sampling scoop, and a ducted fan inside the air sampling scoop. The ducted fan is configured to draw air through the air sampling scoop in contact with the first sensor. The ducted fan can be configured to operate only when the UAS is above a predetermined altitude. The UAS may also be configured to operate in a “wind vane” mode in which wind speed and direction is determined based on the pitch and heading of the UAS.