UAV Perimeter Structure for Unobstructed Visual Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) configured as quadcopters face challenges in providing a full unobstructed view for autonomous flight due to the presence of rotors, which obstruct image capture and increase the risk of rotor damage from collisions.
Innovation Solution
A perimeter structure around the rotors is implemented, housing image capture devices to provide a 360-degree view while protecting the rotors from collisions by extending beyond their reach, and additional image capture devices are placed on the central body for comprehensive environmental monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rotors are placed on a quadcopter for propulsion and lift, then the UAV can achieve controlled flight, but the rotors obstruct image capture and increase the risk of rotor damage from collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions image capture devices in the vertical dimension by mounting them on the top and bottom surfaces of the central body, allowing cameras to capture images downward and upward respectively. This vertical arrangement eliminates horizontal obstructions from rotors while maintaining full environmental coverage for autonomous navigation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the image capture function across multiple locations: top surface cameras, bottom surface cameras, and potentially side-mounted cameras. This segmentation allows each camera to capture specific spatial zones without interference from rotors, collectively providing comprehensive 360-degree coverage
2Device complexity
If image capture devices are placed close to the central body for compact design, then device complexity is reduced, but the rotors obstruct the field of view and prevent unobstructed image capture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by mounting cameras on the top and bottom surfaces of the central body. This vertical placement strategy eliminates the need for complex lateral extensions while achieving complete environmental coverage, as rotors primarily obstruct horizontal fields of view rather than vertical ones
3Loss of information
If a perimeter structure is added around the rotors to protect them and house image capture devices, then rotor protection and image capture are improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The perimeter structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a protective barrier for rotors against collisions, provides mounting surfaces for image capture devices, and potentially serves as a structural reinforcement for the overall UAV frame. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are described for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) configured for autonomous flight using visual navigation that includes a perimeter structure surrounding one or more powered rotors, the perimeter structure including image capture devices arranged so as to provide an unobstructed view around the UAV.