UAV Wind Detection Through Dual-Axis Tilt Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing unmanned aerial vehicles face challenges in accurately estimating wind speed and direction in the air, particularly due to variations in vehicle size and shape, which affect the wind force received, complicating precise wind estimation.
Innovation Solution
A wind detection system for unmanned aerial vehicles that utilizes sensors to detect tilt angles relative to multiple perpendicular directions and a processing device to estimate wind speed and direction based on these angles, using a lookup table to correlate tilt angles with wind conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wind speed estimation is performed based on thrust and tilt angle using existing methods, then wind speed can be estimated, but the estimation accuracy deteriorates due to variations in vehicle size and shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wind force calculation by separating the drag coefficient (which varies by vehicle type) from the measurement components (thrust and tilt angle). By using multiple sensors to independently measure thrust and tilt angle, the system can accommodate different vehicle configurations while maintaining estimation accuracy through comprehensive data collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters used for wind speed estimation by introducing additional sensors that measure both thrust and tilt angle simultaneously. This multi-parameter approach allows the system to compensate for variations in vehicle size and shape by using the combined information from multiple measurements rather than relying on a single parameter.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are added to improve wind detection accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the sensor system multi-functional by using the same sensors (thrust sensor and tilt angle sensor) for both wind speed estimation and flight control. The thrust sensor serves dual purposes: measuring thrust for wind calculation and providing data for attitude control. This reduces the need for separate dedicated wind sensors, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the wind detection function with the existing flight control sensor system. By combining thrust measurement and tilt angle measurement from the flight control system into a unified wind detection approach, the patent eliminates the need for separate wind sensors, thus reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
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 accurate real-time estimation of wind speed and direction regardless of vehicle size or shape, enhancing safety and operational efficiency by allowing for precise flight control and emergency responses to high winds.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor that detects a first tilt angle of the unmanned aerial vehicle with respect to a first direction perpendicular to a vertical direction, and a second tilt angle of the unmanned aerial vehicle with respect to a second direction that is perpendicular to the vertical direction and intersects the first direction
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
In an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, a wind detection system includes a sensor to detect a first tilt angle of an unmanned aerial vehicle with respect to a first direction perpendicular to a vertical direction, and a second tilt angle of the unmanned aerial vehicle with respect to a second direction that is perpendicular to the vertical direction and intersects the first direction, and a processing device to estimate at least one of wind speed and wind direction based on sensor data output from the sensor indicating the first and second tilt angles.