UAV Directed Fragmentation Controller for Safe Descent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) face challenges during delivery due to unsuitable weather conditions and equipment malfunctions, which can lead to service disruptions and loss of control, necessitating a controlled fragmentation mechanism to safely descend and distribute components in suitable locations.
Innovation Solution
The UAV is equipped with a fragmentation controller that develops and executes a fragmentation sequence, including release timings and locations, based on flight path, conditions, and terrain topology, to safely release components and alter the descent trajectory, ensuring controlled landing of parts in preferred locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UAV continues flight operation under disruption conditions, then the delivery mission can be completed, but the risk of uncontrolled crash and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV is divided into separable components (payload container, propulsion system, control system, etc.) that can be independently released. When flight disruption is detected, the fragmentation controller sequentially detaches components to reduce weight and alter descent trajectory, transforming the single rigid structure into multiple separable units that can be distributed to different locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The fragmentation controller pre-calculates and stores multiple fragmentation sequences before flight, each optimized for different disruption scenarios and terrain conditions. Upon detecting flight disruption, the system immediately executes the pre-planned sequence without requiring real-time complex calculations, enabling rapid response to save time critical for safe descent.
2Ease of operation
If the UAV fragments into multiple components, then the descent trajectory can be controlled and components distributed to preferred locations, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fragmentation controller serves multiple functions: it monitors flight parameters for disruption detection, calculates optimal fragmentation sequences based on terrain topology, controls the timing and sequence of component release, and adjusts descent trajectories. This single controller handles all aspects of the fragmentation process, reducing the need for separate specialized systems and simplifying overall device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The UAV's own flight data (position, velocity, altitude) and pre-stored terrain topology information are used by the fragmentation controller to automatically generate and execute fragmentation sequences without external intervention. The system uses its existing sensors and processors to make real-time decisions, eliminating the need for additional external control infrastructure.
3Ease of operation
If the UAV releases components early in flight, then there is more time to reach preferred locations, but the delivery mission may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fragmentation sequence is dynamically adjusted based on the actual flight disruption timing. If disruption occurs early in flight, the controller executes a sequence that releases components with sufficient lead time to reach preferred locations. If disruption occurs late, the sequence is modified to release components closer to the current position, optimizing for the remaining flight time and ensuring both safe descent and mission completion where possible.
Data Source
AI summary
Directed fragmentation of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is described. In one embodiment, the UAV includes various components, such one or more motors, batteries, sensors, a housing, casing or shell, and a payload for delivery. Additionally, the UAV includes a controller. The controller determines a flight path and controls a flight operation of the UAV. During the flight operation, the controller develops a release timing and a release location for one or more of the components based on the flight path, the flight conditions, and terrain topology information, among other factors. The controller can also detect a disruption in the flight operation of the UAV and, in response, direct fragmentation of one or more of the components apart from the UAV. In that way, a controlled, directed fragmentation of the UAV can be accomplished upon any disruption to the flight operation of the UAV.