UAV EMR Sensor Positioning for Print Substance Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned aerial vehicles face challenges in precisely determining their location on print targets, leading to insufficient image quality due to limited precision in satellite navigation, computationally intensive image recognition, and interference from multiple vehicles, which affects the accuracy and efficiency of printing.
Innovation Solution
Equipping unmanned aerial vehicles with electromagnetic radiation (EMR) sensors to detect signals indicative of printing locations, allowing for precise substance ejection using nozzles, and utilizing a controller to navigate and correct for position offsets, enabling accurate and efficient printing on non-uniform surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If satellite navigation is used to determine vehicle position, then the system is simple and low-cost, but the position precision is insufficient for high-quality printing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces EMR transponders as intermediary objects placed on the print target surface. These transponders reflect EMR signals back to the UAV, enabling precise position determination through signal time-of-flight measurement. This intermediary system resolves the contradiction by providing high-precision positioning without requiring complex satellite navigation infrastructure on the UAV itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/satellite-based navigation system with an electromagnetic field-based positioning system. Instead of relying on satellite signals that penetrate the atmosphere, the system uses EMR transponders that reflect electromagnetic signals locally, substituting a complex external navigation infrastructure with a simpler local EMR-based measurement system.
2Measurement precision
If image recognition is used to determine vehicle position, then position precision can be improved, but the computational processing becomes intensive and slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces computational image recognition processing with direct electromagnetic signal measurement. Instead of capturing images and performing computationally intensive image analysis to determine position, the system uses EMR transponders that provide direct spatial information through reflected electromagnetic signals, dramatically reducing processing time while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The EMR transponders create electromagnetic signal copies that encode spatial information. Rather than analyzing visual images of the target surface, the system uses reflected EMR signals that carry position data directly, replacing complex image processing with simpler signal measurement and calculation.
3Productivity
If multiple unmanned aerial vehicles perform printing simultaneously, then productivity increases, but interference occurs in position determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning system into individual UAV-transponder pairs, where each UAV independently measures distances to multiple transponders. This segmentation allows multiple UAVs to operate simultaneously without interference, as each vehicle processes its own independent measurements to the same set of transponder markers, maintaining position determination reliability while enabling parallel printing operations.
4Manufacturing precision
If precise position determination is achieved through complex systems, then printing accuracy improves, but the cost and complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses EMR transponders as intermediary markers placed on the print target surface. These simple reflective transponders enable precise position determination through electromagnetic signal reflection, avoiding the need for complex active sensors or processing systems on the UAV. The complexity is shifted to the passive transponder markers, which are inexpensive and simple to deploy.
Solution Approach 2:
The EMR transponders provide self-service positioning functionality by passively reflecting electromagnetic signals back to the UAV. They require no power source, active electronics, or complex processing, yet enable precise position determination through their simple reflective property. This self-service approach maintains high printing accuracy while minimizing system complexity and cost.
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
The EMR sensor system allows for precise and efficient printing by determining the correct location for substance deposition, improving image quality and reducing errors, while being cost-effective and adaptable to various surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic radiation (EMR) sensor to detect a signal indicative of a substance to print
Data Source
AI summary
An example unmanned aerial vehicle includes an electromagnetic radiation (EMR) sensor. The EMR sensor detects a signal indicative of a substance to print. The unmanned aerial vehicle also includes a nozzle to eject the substance based on a location at which the signal is detected.