UAV Flight Control Using Airflow Sensors to Cut Battery Drain
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Solution Overview
Problem
The flight distance of electrically driven unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is limited by battery capacity, leading to a vicious cycle where increased battery weight increases power consumption, reducing flight distance.
Innovation Solution
A flight control apparatus equipped with a pair of sensors spaced apart vertically on the flying object to detect airflow-related physical quantities and a control unit that adjusts the flight state based on the sensor outputs, optimizing power consumption and extending flight duration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the capacity of the battery is enlarged to increase flight distance, then the flight distance is extended, but the weight of the battery increases which increases power consumption and reduces flight distance
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameters by switching between different flight modes (power consumption mode and gliding mode) based on real-time sensor feedback. The control unit adjusts the flight state by changing parameters such as motor rotation speed, pitch angle, and roll angle to optimize the balance between battery consumption and flight distance, allowing the UAV to extend flight duration without increasing battery capacity.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the capacity of the battery is enlarged to increase flight distance, then the flight distance is extended, but the weight of the battery increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves extended flight distance without increasing battery weight by dynamically changing flight parameters. The control unit switches between active flight modes and gliding modes, adjusting motor speed, pitch angle, and roll angle based on sensor data to minimize energy consumption and maximize utilization of the existing battery capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic alternation between power consumption mode and gliding mode. The UAV periodically uses motor power to gain altitude or maintain position, then switches to gliding mode to conserve battery, creating a rhythmic pattern of energy expenditure and recovery that extends overall flight duration without requiring larger battery capacity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If sensors and control units are added to optimize flight state, then power consumption is suppressed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs multiple functions: it processes data from both the first and second sensors, determines flight state based on sensor comparisons, controls motor rotation speed, and adjusts pitch and roll angles. This multi-functionality consolidates control operations into a single integrated unit, managing the added complexity through functional integration rather than proliferation of separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring sensor outputs and adjusting flight parameters accordingly. The control unit compares sensor data to determine current flight state and makes real-time adjustments to motor speed and aircraft attitude, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes power consumption through continuous feedback rather than open-loop control.
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 solution effectively suppresses battery power consumption, allowing for extended flight durations without the detrimental effects of increased battery weight, thereby breaking the vicious cycle.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of sensors which are spaced apart in a vertical direction on a surface of a flying object which uses motive power of a power source powered by a battery to fly and detect atmospheric pressure of an airflow flowing on each of a sky side surface and a ground side surface of a part on which lift acts
Implementation Method 2
detect atmospheric pressure of an airflow flowing on each of a sky side surface and a ground side surface of a part on which lift acts
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a flight control apparatus including a pair of sensors that are spaced apart in a vertical direction on a surface of a flying object which uses motive power of a power source powered by a battery to fly and that detect a physical quantity corresponding to a state of an airflow, and a control unit that controls a flight state of the flying object on the basis of a difference between outputs of the pair of sensors.