UAV Flight Parameter Adjustment for Propeller Guard Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerial robotic vehicles (UAVs) operate with flight parameters configured assuming propeller guards are installed, which can lead to safety issues if guards are later added or removed without updating these parameters, potentially causing unsafe operations near people or objects.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a processing device on the UAV determines whether propeller guards are installed and sets corresponding flight parameters, adjusting settings for control gains, drag profile, and operational modes based on the presence or absence of guards to ensure safe and effective operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If propeller guards are installed on the UAV, then safety is improved, but flight parameters become inaccurate leading to potential unsafe operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts flight parameters based on the detected presence or absence of propeller guards. The processing device modifies control gains, drag profile, and operational modes in real-time according to the current configuration, ensuring accurate and safe operation regardless of guard installation status
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes multiple flight parameters simultaneously when propeller guard status changes. This includes adjusting control gains to account for altered aerodynamic characteristics, modifying drag profile parameters, and updating operational mode thresholds to match the current physical configuration
2Adaptability or versatility
If propeller guards are added or removed, then safety or operational flexibility is improved, but flight parameters become outdated causing unsafe operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the presence of propeller guards using sensors and processes this information to automatically adjust flight parameters. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that flight parameters always reflect the current physical configuration, maintaining safe operation while allowing operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The UAV autonomously detects changes in propeller guard installation and self-adjusts its flight parameters without requiring external intervention. The processing device automatically modifies control gains, drag profile, and operational modes based on sensor data, enabling the system to adapt to configuration changes independently
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
Various embodiments include methods and aerial robotic vehicles that adjust a flight control parameter based on whether propeller guards are installed. An aerial robotic vehicle processor may determine whether a propeller guard is installed, set a flight parameter based on the determination, and control one or more motors of the aerial robotic vehicle using the flight parameter. When propeller guards are installed, the flight parameter may be set to a value appropriate for controlling the aerial robotic vehicle when the propeller guard is installed. The flight parameter may be one or more of control gains, drag profile control settings, a maximum rotor speed, maximum speed of the aerial robotic vehicle, maximum power usage, restrictions to select modes of operation, visual algorithm settings, or a flight plan. Data from one or more sensors and/or motor controllers may be used to determine the presence of a propeller guard.