UAV Flight Control Mechanism for Boundary-Guided Closed-Space Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) face challenges in controlling flight within closed-type spaces like sewage pipelines, where collisions with boundary surfaces can lead to reduced controllability and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A flight control mechanism featuring first and second preceding collision members and a holding member that can rotate to adjust the position of these members relative to the UAV's body, allowing the UAV to fly along boundary surfaces by touching them with these members, thereby reducing collision risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the UAV flies freely in closed-type spaces, then inspection coverage is improved, but collision with boundary surfaces occurs leading to reduced controllability and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by equipping the UAV with preceding collision members (sensors or physical contacts) positioned at the front of the vehicle body that detect boundary surfaces before the main body collides. This advance detection allows the control unit to adjust flight trajectory proactively, maintaining controllability while enabling comprehensive inspection coverage in closed spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preceding collision members as intermediaries between the UAV and boundary surfaces. These members serve as a mediating detection system that provides early warning of upcoming collisions, allowing the control unit to intervene and adjust flight path before actual collision occurs, thus preserving controllability during extensive inspection operations.
2Productivity
If the UAV flies freely in closed-type spaces, then inspection speed is improved, but collision with boundary surfaces occurs leading to potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The preceding collision members detect boundary surfaces in advance, allowing the UAV to maintain high inspection speed while preparing for trajectory adjustments. This early detection system enables the UAV to fly aggressively through closed spaces without increasing damage risk, as collisions are prevented before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by positioning preceding collision members that physically or sensorially contact boundary surfaces before the main UAV body does. This creates a protective buffer zone that prevents direct collision between the UAV and boundaries, enabling high-speed inspection without proportional increase in damage risk.
3Reliability
If preceding collision members are added to the UAV, then collision detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the collision detection function into separate preceding collision members positioned at the front of the UAV, distinct from the main body. This modular approach allows the detection system to be added without fundamentally redesigning the UAV structure, maintaining relatively simple overall architecture while improving collision detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The preceding collision members serve multiple functions: they act as physical contacts for detection, provide structural support for sensor mounting, and can potentially serve as trajectory reference points. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while improving collision detection capability.
Data Source
AI summary
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a flight control mechanism for controlling flight of an unmanned aerial vehicle by controlling collision between the vehicle and a boundary surface, an unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with the mechanism, and a method for using the mechanism and the vehicle. Provided is a flight control mechanism for an unmanned aerial vehicle including: a first initial collision member; a second initial collision member; and a holding member that holds the first and second initial collision members with a space therebetween above the body of the unmanned aerial vehicle, is tiltable with respect to the vehicle body by rotating about a predetermined position inside or above the vehicle body toward the side of the vehicle body, and rotates in response to collision between the first or second initial collision member and a boundary surface.