UAV Grip Detection via Conductive Housing Capacitance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current UAVs lack the ability to detect a user's grip, which limits their control and operation modes, particularly in scenarios requiring manual intervention or interaction.

Innovation Solution

The UAV is equipped with a grip detection circuit and conductive patterns on its surface that allow the controller to detect user grip through capacitance changes, enabling the UAV to adjust its operation based on user input, such as changing hovering positions or terminating flight modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the UAV is equipped with grip detection circuit and conductive patterns, then user interaction capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interaction capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive patterns on the UAV housing serve multiple functions: they act as both structural elements of the housing and as grip detection sensors. This multi-functionality allows the UAV to detect user grip without adding separate dedicated sensor components, thereby improving user interaction capability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The grip detection circuit is integrated with the existing housing structure by incorporating conductive patterns directly into the housing material or as surface layers. This merging of the detection function with the structural component eliminates the need for separate sensor modules and reduces overall system complexity while enabling new interaction capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If the UAV uses capacitance change detection for grip sensing, then detection precision is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system detects grip events by monitoring changes in capacitance parameters of the conductive patterns. By using capacitance change as the detection parameter, the system achieves high detection precision for user interaction while the conductive patterns can be manufactured using standard PCB or conductive paint techniques that do not require ultra-precise manufacturing tolerances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 the UAV to respond to user grip detection by altering its flight modes, allowing for manual control and position changes, enhancing user interaction and operational flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

a grip detection circuit positioned within the UAV that receives a user grip; capacitance changes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3312088B1Unmanned aerial vehicle and flying control method thereof
Publication Date: 2020.04.22 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3312088B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3312088B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3312088B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

A UAV and a flying control method thereof that can detect a user grip of the UAV are provided. The UAV and a flying control method thereof can detect a user grip at a first position and can detect release of the user grip at a second position.