UAS Obstacle Detection Using Propeller-Generated Pressure Waves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current proximity sensors for unmanned air systems (UAS) are costly in terms of computational and power requirements, making them unsuitable for small platforms, and there is a lack of suitable sensors for reliable obstacle detection.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle equipped with a propulsion unit that changes environmental characteristics, such as pressure or sound waves, allowing for obstacle detection using existing components like propellers or motors, eliminating the need for additional emitters and enabling smaller, lighter sensors for obstacle proximity detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing proximity sensors (optical sensors, cameras, radar sensors) are used for obstacle detection, then reliable obstacle detection capability is achieved, but the sensor mass and power consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion unit serves dual purposes: it propels the vehicle forward and simultaneously acts as the emitter for obstacle detection. The propeller generates both thrust and the acoustic/pressure waves needed for sensing, eliminating the need for separate sensor emitters and reducing overall system mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The propulsion unit is designed to perform multiple functions: vehicle propulsion and environmental emission for obstacle detection. By making the propeller serve both as a propulsion device and an acoustic emitter, the system reduces component count and mass while maintaining reliable detection capability.
2Reliability
If existing proximity sensors (optical sensors, cameras, radar sensors) are used for obstacle detection, then reliable obstacle detection capability is achieved, but the computational and power requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion unit generates the acoustic/pressure waves needed for detection, eliminating the need for separate high-power sensor emitters. The obstacle detection system uses the existing propulsion energy to create the detection signal, significantly reducing additional power requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The propulsion function and emission function are merged into a single system (the propeller). By combining these functions, the system avoids the power consumption of separate emitter systems while maintaining the ability to detect obstacles through acoustic/pressure wave analysis.
3Reliability
If additional emitter components are added for obstacle detection, then detection capability is improved, but the vehicle mass and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion unit self-serves as the emitter for obstacle detection. The propeller inherently generates acoustic and pressure waves during operation, which can be detected by sensors to determine obstacle proximity, eliminating the need for additional emitter hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The emission function is extracted from the propulsion unit and utilized for detection purposes. By recognizing that the propeller already emits acoustic and pressure waves, the system eliminates the need for separate emitter components while maintaining detection capability.
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
This solution allows for reliable obstacle detection on small UAS platforms with reduced sensor mass and power consumption, increasing flight times and payload capacity while providing accurate proximity information for navigation.
Implementation Method 1
The characteristic of the environment is changed by operation of the propulsion unit... The characteristic of the environment of the vehicle may be a pressure field surrounding the vehicle, a sound wave incident on the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
The characteristic of the environment of the vehicle may be a pressure field surrounding the vehicle... which is modified when the propulsion unit is operated
Implementation Method 3
The characteristic of the environment of the vehicle may be a sound wave incident on the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a propulsion unit configured to move the vehicle and to change a characteristic of the environment of the vehicle. The vehicle also includes a proximity sensor configured to detect the characteristic of the environment of the vehicle. The characteristic of the environment is changed by operation of the propulsion unit. The vehicle further includes obstacle detection circuitry 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.