UAV Buoyancy Frame Layout for Longer Flight and Stable Payloads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) face limitations in flight duration and safety due to limited battery capacity and the need for precise payload management, particularly in urban environments where drone falls can be hazardous, and they have a restricted maximum payload capacity due to flight dynamics.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a buoyancy apparatus using light gas-injected buoyancy parts and a connection frame that allows for rotational and positional adjustments of the flight apparatus, enabling increased flight time and stability by aligning the center of gravity and buoyancy with the direction of gravity, while also accommodating additional payloads through adjustable connection members.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If battery capacity is increased to extend flight duration, then flight time is improved, but weight increases and payload capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflight timeVSAvoidbattery weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a buoyancy apparatus that generates upward buoyant force to counteract the weight of the UAV and its payload. By injecting light gas into the buoyancy parts, the system creates a counterbalancing force that reduces the effective weight burden on the battery, allowing extended flight time without proportionally increasing battery weight

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state parameters of the system by introducing light gas into the buoyancy parts. This alters the overall density and buoyancy characteristics of the UAV, enabling it to achieve extended flight duration through buoyant support rather than solely relying on increased battery capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If payload capacity is increased to carry more equipment, then payload capacity is improved, but flight stability deteriorates due to center of gravity shifts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepayload capacityVSAvoidflight stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a connection frame with adjustable connection members that can dynamically repositioned relative to the buoyancy parts. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt the center of gravity position according to payload distribution, maintaining flight stability even when carrying varied payloads

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection frame serves multiple functions: it structurally supports the payload, provides adjustable positioning to balance the center of gravity, and maintains structural integrity during flight. This multi-functionality allows the same structure to handle various payload configurations while preserving flight stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If fixed rigid connection structure is used between buoyancy parts and flight apparatus, then structural strength is improved, but adaptability to different payloads is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidpayload adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces fixed rigid connections with adjustable connection members that can be repositioned along the connection frame. This dynamic adjustment mechanism maintains structural strength while enabling adaptation to different payload types, sizes, and weight distributions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection frame is divided into multiple segments with adjustable connection members at different positions. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each connection point to optimize the center of gravity position for specific payload configurations, providing versatility without compromising overall structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Volume of moving object

If buoyancy parts are placed close to the flight apparatus to reduce size, then device compactness is improved, but flight stability deteriorates due to insufficient buoyancy distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapparatus sizeVSAvoidflight stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The buoyancy apparatus is divided into multiple buoyancy parts that are distributed at spaced intervals. This segmentation provides sufficient buoyant support across the span of the connection frame while maintaining a compact overall structure, ensuring both size efficiency and flight stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent places buoyancy parts at specific spaced positions along the connection frame where they provide localized buoyant support. This strategic positioning ensures adequate buoyancy distribution to maintain flight stability while keeping the overall apparatus compact

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 extends flight duration, enhances safety by reducing energy consumption and air resistance, and allows for stable operation with increased payload capacity, ensuring the UAV can maintain balance and stability during flight and landing.

Implementation Method 1

buoyancy parts disposed to be spaced apart from each other and configured to secure buoyancy through injection of light gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentUS11401020B2Unmanned aerial vehicle having buoyancy apparatus and attitude control method thereof
Publication Date: 2022.08.02 KOREA INST OF SCI & TECH
  • US11401020B2 patent drawing
  • US11401020B2 patent drawing
  • US11401020B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed are an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) having a buoyancy apparatus and an attitude control method thereof, in which the buoyancy apparatus is coupled to the UAV to reduce the energy consumption of rotors such that the time of staying in the air is extended, enabling a long flight, and in which the buoyancy apparatus absorbs the impact energy and reduces the falling speed to thereby ensure sufficient safety for the UAV.