UAV Propeller Illumination System for Orientation Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) indication systems, such as traditional point light sources, are often unclear for operators, especially when the UAV is flying high above, making it difficult to determine the travel direction and orientation, which can lead to accidents.
Innovation Solution
An illumination system integrated into the propeller of the UAV, comprising a light entrance portion, a light transmission portion, and a light exit portion, directs light in a different direction to provide a clear visual indication of the UAV's status, including orientation and location, allowing operators to better control the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a traditional point light source is used for UAV indication, then the device complexity is low, but the illumination intensity and visibility are insufficient when the UAV flies high above the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the point light source into a ring-shaped light source by utilizing the rotational motion of the propeller. The light emitting element is positioned on the propeller hub, and as the propeller rotates, it creates a ring-shaped illumination pattern that extends the light distribution in the vertical dimension, significantly improving visibility when the UAV flies overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The indication system utilizes the dynamic rotational motion of the propeller to transform a stationary point light source into a dynamic ring-shaped light source. The rotation speed and pattern can be adjusted to optimize visibility under different flight conditions, making the indication adaptable to various operational scenarios.
2Loss of information
If a point light source is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the ability to convey orientation and travel direction information is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the light emitting element on the rotating propeller hub, the system transforms a zero-dimensional point source into a one-dimensional ring source. This dimensional transformation enables the light to convey directional information more effectively, as the ring shape naturally indicates the horizontal orientation of the UAV while the rotation conveys operational status.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs different colors of light emitting elements (e.g., red, green, blue LEDs) to convey different operational states and orientation information. The color configuration and arrangement on the propeller hub provide intuitive visual cues about the UAV's status and direction without requiring complex additional components.
3Illumination intensity
If the indication light is positioned in the main body, then the structure is simple, but the light is not clearly visible when the UAV flies high above the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the light emitting element from the main body to the propeller hub, utilizing the vertical space created by propeller rotation. This transformation converts a point source at a fixed height into a ring-shaped source that dynamically occupies a larger vertical volume, significantly improving visibility from above without adding complex external structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The propeller hub, which already serves as a structural component for mounting the propeller, is simultaneously utilized as the mounting location for the light emitting element. This multi-functional use of the hub eliminates the need for separate indication structures, reducing overall system complexity while achieving improved visibility.
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
The solution provides a clear and intuitive visual indication of the UAV's status from various angles, enhancing operator safety and control, especially for novice operators, by converting the point light source into a ring-shaped or area light source as the propeller rotates.
Implementation Method 1
a light transmission portion positioned to transmit the light ray
Implementation Method 2
a light exit portion positioned to direct the light ray in a second direction different than the first direction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses and methods for indicating a moveable device such as an UAV (20) are disclosed herein. The present technology provides an illumination system (200, 200a, 300, 400, 500) having a light source (201, 201a, 301, 601) and an illuminating component (203, 203a, 403, 503, 603). The light source (201, 201a) is carried by a UAV (20) and positioned to emit a light ray in a first direction (D1). The illuminating component (203, 203a, 403, 503, 603) is carried by a propeller (29, 39, 49, 59, 69) of the UAV (20). The illuminating component (203, 203a, 403, 503, 603) can include a light entrance portion (403a, 503a, 603a), a light transmission portion (403b, 503b, 603b), and a light exit portion(403c, 503c). The light entrance portion (403a, 503a, 603a) is positioned to receive the light ray from the light source (201, 201a, 301, 601), the light transmission portion (403b, 503b, 603b) is positioned to transmit the light ray to the light exit portion(403c, 503c), and the light exit portion(403c, 503c) is positioned to direct the light ray in a second direction(D2) so as to form a visual indication corresponding to the UAV(20).