Pressure-Based UAS Obstacle Detection Using Propulsion Airflow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current proximity sensors for unmanned air systems (UAS) are costly in terms of computational and power requirements, and there is a lack of suitable sensors for small platforms, limiting their ability to reliably detect nearby obstacles and avoid collisions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle equipped with a propulsion unit that induces a near-vehicle fluid flow field, detected by a plurality of pressure sensors, which compare the detected pressures to reference values to determine the presence of obstacles, allowing for obstacle detection without additional emitters, resulting in a smaller, lighter, and more power-efficient system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing proximity sensors (optical sensors, cameras, radar sensors) are used for obstacle detection, then obstacle detection capability is achieved, but the system becomes costly in terms of computational requirements and power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle's own propulsion unit generates the fluid flow field that serves as the sensing medium for obstacle detection. The propulsion unit indirectly performs dual functions: both moving the vehicle and creating the flow field environment that pressure sensors can exploit for detection, eliminating the need for separate sensing emitters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex optical or radar sensing systems with a simpler pressure-based detection system. Instead of using sophisticated electromagnetic or optical sensors requiring heavy computation, the system uses basic pressure sensors to detect obstacles through fluid pressure changes, significantly reducing computational and power requirements
2Reliability
If existing proximity sensors are used for obstacle detection, then obstacle detection capability is achieved, but the system mass increases, limiting suitability for small platforms
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion unit's generated fluid flow field serves multiple purposes: it provides the sensing medium for obstacle detection and simultaneously represents the vehicle's operational environment. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensing hardware, reducing overall system mass
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle's own propulsion system creates the flow field that enables detection, meaning the vehicle serves its own sensing needs without requiring external or additional heavy sensing equipment
3Measurement precision
If additional emitters are added for obstacle detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and mass increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle exploits the flow field that already exists around it due to its own propulsion, eliminating the need for additional emitters or active sensing components. The system detects obstacles by measuring pressure changes in the self-generated flow field
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
Enables reliable obstacle detection on small platforms, increasing flight times and payload capacity by reducing sensor mass and power consumption, while allowing for navigation control to avoid detected obstacles.
Implementation Method 1
a propulsion unit configured to move the vehicle and to induce a near-vehicle fluid flow field around the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of pressure sensors configured to detect a pressure of the near-vehicle fluid flow field at a plurality of positions around the vehicle
Implementation Method 3
obstacle detection circuitry configured to determine a presence of an obstacle in the vicinity of the vehicle based on a comparison between the detected pressures of the near-vehicle fluid flow field and corresponding reference values
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
There is provided a vehicle (18) comprising a propulsion unit (34) configured to move the vehicle (18) and to change a characteristic of the environment of the vehicle (18). The vehicle (18) further comprises a proximity sensor (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31) configured to detect the characteristic of the environment of the vehicle. The characteristic of the environment is changed by operation of the propulsion unit (34). The vehicle (18) further comprises obstacle detection circuitry (32) configured to determine a presence of an obstacle in the vicinity of the vehicle based on a comparison between the detected characteristic of the environment and a reference value.