UAV Formation Navigation via Corrective Flight Vectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional UAV navigation systems rely heavily on manual control by operators, lacking automation and requiring specific knowledge of flight parameters, which limits efficiency and accessibility for routine civil use.
Innovation Solution
A system that navigates UAVs in formation by assigning pattern positions, identifying waypoints using GPS data, and applying a navigation algorithm to calculate corrective flight vectors, enabling automated piloting based on the comparison of intended and actual positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual control by operator is used, then operator can control UAV flight, but operator requires specific knowledge of flight parameters and navigation is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV navigation system performs self-service by automatically calculating flight vectors, determining waypoint positions, and adjusting flight paths without requiring operator intervention. The system uses its own sensors, GPS data, and onboard computer to autonomously navigate, eliminating the need for operators to possess specialized flight knowledge while maintaining efficient navigation.
2Productivity
If automated navigation algorithm is applied, then navigation efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated navigation system is segmented into distinct functional modules: GPS receiver for position acquisition, computer for data processing, flight vector calculator for path computation, and control system for execution. This modular segmentation enables high navigation efficiency through automated operations while managing system complexity by organizing functions into separate, manageable components that can be independently developed and maintained.
3Reliability
If formation flying pattern is assigned to multiple UAVs, then coordinated navigation is achieved, but position accuracy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The formation flying system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the actual positions of multiple UAVs using GPS receivers and comparing them against their intended positions in the formation pattern. The onboard computers calculate position deviations and generate corrective flight vectors to adjust each UAV's trajectory, ensuring coordinated navigation while compensating for position accuracy variations through real-time feedback control.
Data Source
AI summary
Navigating UAVs in formation, including assigning pattern positions to each of a multiplicity of UAVs flying together in a pattern; identifying a waypoint for each UAV in dependence upon the UAV's pattern position; piloting the UAVs in the pattern toward their waypoints in dependence upon a navigation algorithm, where the navigation algorithm includes repeatedly comparing the UAV's intended position and the UAV's actual position and calculating a corrective flight vector when the distance between the UAV's actual and intended positions exceeds an error threshold. The actual position of the UAV may be taken from a GPS receiver on board the UAV.