UAV Flight Data Recording for Maintenance and Accident Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Civilian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) lack advanced flight data recording capabilities, which hinders accident reconstruction, operator performance optimization, and safety improvements, as they do not typically record in-flight data, adjust performance based on operator experience, or share flight data through social networks.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for recording and analyzing operational data from UAVs, involving sensors that collect and transmit data for real-time analysis, adjusting operating parameters based on operator profiles, and enabling data sharing, including image and video recording for accident investigation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If flight data recording capability is added to civilian UAVs, then accident reconstruction and safety improvement are enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccident reconstruction capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated system: flight data recording, operator profile management, real-time performance adjustment, and social networking capabilities are merged into one comprehensive platform. This reduces overall system complexity while maintaining enhanced reliability and safety features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flight data recorder is designed as a multi-functional device that not only records accident data but also continuously monitors flight parameters, adjusts UAV performance based on operator experience, and enables social sharing of flight information. This universal approach maximizes the value of the added complexity.

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

2Reliability

If real-time data analysis and performance adjustment are implemented, then operator safety and flight experience optimization are improved, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator safetyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements selective real-time analysis rather than continuous full-scale processing. It focuses computational resources on critical safety parameters and operator profile matching while reducing analysis intensity for non-critical flight data, thereby improving safety without proportionally increasing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The performance adjustment mechanism operates periodically based on significant flight events or predefined intervals rather than continuously. The system updates UAV performance characteristics at strategic moments during flight, reducing computational load and energy usage while maintaining operator safety benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Loss of information

If comprehensive flight data recording and social networking integration are added, then information sharing and operational insights are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflight data sharing capabilityVSAvoidsystem integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flight data recorder serves as a universal platform that handles both traditional recording functions and modern social networking integration. By making the core recording system multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated systems, thereby managing complexity while enabling comprehensive data sharing and operational insights.

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

Data Source

PatentUS11205311B2System and method for data recording and analysis
Publication Date: 2021.12.21 SZ DJI TECH CO LTD
  • US11205311B2 patent drawing
  • US11205311B2 patent drawing
  • US11205311B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method includes obtaining operational data recorded by a data recorder onboard an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), determining timing of a maintenance operation for the UAV based on the operational data, and providing a reminder of the maintenance operation for the UAV based on the determined timing.