UAV Landing Beacon Retrieval Using Electromagnetic Pickup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing precision landing systems for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) face challenges in achieving accurate landings, especially in scenarios with limited supporting infrastructure, such as natural disasters or emergency areas, where traditional active positioning beacons may be lost and require human intervention for retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A UAV-deployable precision landing beacon system that includes a light source array, power circuit with solar array, and magnetic components for self-deployment and retrieval, allowing for autonomous operation and long-term deployment, along with features like a parachute and LED array for visibility, enabling precise landing and retrieval of the beacon.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional active positioning beacons are deployed in isolated areas, then precision landing capability is improved, but the beacon may be lost and requires human intervention for retrieval
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon is equipped with magnetic components that enable automatic retrieval by the UAV without human intervention. The UAV's electromagnet activates to attract and retrieve the beacon automatically after the landing mission is completed, making the system self-servicing.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual retrieval process is replaced by an electromagnetic retrieval system. The UAV's electromagnet substitutes for human operators to retrieve the beacon, transforming a mechanical/manual operation into an automated electromagnetic process.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the beacon operates for a long period using a battery in isolated areas, then operational duration is improved, but the beacon cannot be retrieved without human intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon automatically returns to the UAV through magnetic attraction after completing its precision landing function. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for human retrieval operations while maintaining long operational duration through battery and solar power.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of permanently deploying the beacon in isolated areas, the system recovers the beacon automatically after use. The UAV retrieves the beacon using electromagnetic attraction, allowing the beacon to be reused for multiple missions rather than being discarded or requiring manual recovery.
3Measurement precision
If the beacon is deployed in constrained landing zones, then precision landing is improved, but the beacon requires manual retrieval
Solution Approach 1:
The retrieval function is merged into the UAV itself through integrated electromagnets. Rather than requiring separate retrieval equipment or human operators, the UAV combines precision landing capability with automatic beacon retrieval through its built-in electromagnetic system.
Solution Approach 2:
The UAV performs both precision landing and beacon retrieval autonomously. The electromagnet system on the UAV automatically attracts and retrieves the beacon after the landing mission, making the entire process self-service without external intervention.
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 precise and autonomous UAV landings in challenging environments, with the ability to deploy and retrieve beacons, reducing the risk of loss and improving operational efficiency in emergency situations.
Implementation Method 1
APBs operated by transmitting a signal using a light source, usually at a specific frequency of infrared (IR)
Implementation Method 2
The position of the signal within a video frame, or an intensity of the signal as measured by the IR sensor or an IR sensor array
Implementation Method 3
power circuit with solar array
Implementation Method 4
magnetic components for self-deployment and retrieval
Data Source
AI summary
A precision landing system including an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and a beacon is provided. A processor of the UAV controls a flight system of the UAV to fly the UAV. The processor detects, via a sensor of the UAV, a signal emitted by a beacon. The processor controls the flight system of the UAV to land on or near the beacon. The processor also energizes one or more electromagnets on a cradle of the UAV to retrieve the beacon.