Conductive Coupling Break Detection for UAV Operational Members

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Solution Overview

Problem

Unsecured operational members in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can continue to move after a mechanical break in the coupling member, causing unexpected force vectors and straining other components, leading to erroneous system operations and potential grounding.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a conductive coupling member into the power circuit of the UAV, such that a mechanical break disrupts the power or control signal, causing the operational member to stop moving, and a computing device detects this disconnect to control other members accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a coupling member secures an operational member to a structural member, then the operational member remains stable and secured, but if the coupling member experiences a mechanical break, the operational member becomes unsecured and continues to move causing harmful effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling member reliabilityVSAvoidunexpected movement and force vectors

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates a feedback mechanism where the conductive coupling member's electrical continuity provides information about its mechanical integrity. When the coupling member breaks mechanically, the electrical circuit is interrupted, providing immediate feedback to the control system. This allows the system to detect the break and respond by stopping other operational members, preventing the harmful effects of unsecured moving parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive coupling member serves as an intermediary element that connects both mechanical and electrical functions. It mediates between the mechanical securing function and the electrical signaling function. The same component that mechanically secures the operational member also serves as an electrical conductor, allowing the mechanical state to be communicated electrically to the control system without requiring separate sensing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If the operational member continues to move after a mechanical break, then the system can detect the break, but the continued movement strains other components and causes erroneous operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection of mechanical breakVSAvoidcomponent strain and system integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The system takes preliminary action by having the control system immediately respond to the electrical disconnect signal. When the conductive coupling member breaks and interrupts the electrical circuit, the control system is预先 programmed to stop the operational members before they can cause further damage. This preliminary response prevents the strain and erroneous operations that would occur if the members continued to move.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If a separate sensing mechanism is added to detect coupling member breaks, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection of coupling member breakVSAvoidsystem component count

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling member is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a mechanical fastener and an electrical conductor. This universal design eliminates the need for separate sensing mechanisms. The electrical function of the coupling member is leveraged to provide mechanical integrity information, allowing a single component to fulfill multiple roles and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the mechanical securing function and the electrical signaling function into a single conductive coupling member. Instead of having separate mechanical fasteners and sensing devices, the system combines these functions so that the coupling member itself provides the detection capability through its electrical conductivity, simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4061723B1Systems and methods for stopping movement of operational members in aerial vehicles

Publication Date: 2025.11.05 WING AVIATION LLC

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AI summary

A method is provided that includes causing an operational member of a system to move. The method includes driving a power or control signal through a conductive coupling member. The conductive coupling member is connected between a first terminal and a second terminal in a power circuit, and the coupling member secures the operational member to a structural member of the system. The method includes detecting an electrical disconnect between the first terminal and a second terminal. The method includes determining a mechanical break associated with the coupling member based on the electrical disconnect between the first terminal and the second terminal. The method includes causing the operational member of the system to stop moving based on determining the mechanical break associated with the coupling member.