Autonomous UAV Pod Launch and Recovery for Remote VTOL Surveys
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerial geographic survey work for agricultural and oil industries incurs high logistics and costs due to the need for personnel to operate and maintain unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and collect/process data, especially in remote locations.
Innovation Solution
A vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) UAV storage and launch system featuring a UAV pod with a processor and transceiver, enabling autonomous mission launches, landings, and data retrieval for a two-rotor UAV, which includes a processor and transceiver for communication with the UAV pod.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If personnel are deployed to operate and maintain UAVs in remote locations, then operational capability is improved, but logistics costs and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV system performs self-service through autonomous operation capability. The UAV can automatically execute survey missions, return to the pod, and recharge without human intervention. This eliminates the need for personnel deployment in remote locations while maintaining operational capability, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and logistics complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the operational functions into modular components: the UAV handles flight and data collection, the pod provides storage and charging, and the transceiver enables communication. This segmentation allows autonomous operation without personnel while maintaining full operational capability, reducing logistics complexity
2Productivity
If autonomous operation is implemented, then operational costs are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple functions into integrated units: the pod combines storage, charging, and communication relay functions; the UAV integrates flight control, sensor operations, and autonomous navigation. This merging reduces overall system complexity while enabling autonomous operation and improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The pod serves multiple functions: it stores the UAV when not in use, charges the UAV battery, provides short-range communication relay, and acts as a base for autonomous operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems, lowering complexity while maintaining high operational efficiency
3Length of moving object
If UAV range is extended for remote survey work, then survey capability is improved, but reliability of return and data retrieval decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements preliminary action by establishing the pod as a predetermined base location before UAV deployment. The UAV autonomously returns to this pre-established base and recharges, ensuring reliable return and data retrieval. The pod is positioned in advance to serve as a safe haven, eliminating concerns about UAV range limitations in remote areas
4Measurement precision
If personnel are required for data collection and processing, then data quality is improved, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical human operation with electronic and software-based autonomous systems. The UAV autonomously collects geographic survey data using onboard sensors, and the pod handles data storage and processing. This substitution maintains high data quality while eliminating the need for personnel deployment, significantly reducing operational costs
Data Source
AI summary
A vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) storage and launch system includes a UAV pod having a UAV pod processor and a UAV selectively enclosed in the UAV pod, the UAV having only two rotors.