UAV Propeller Stoppage via Optical Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones lack effective safety features to prevent injury and damage when propellers rotate during operation, as they rely on propeller guards that restrict airflow and increase weight and noise.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a light detection system that emits beams of light adjacent to the propellers, which, when blocked by objects like fingers, automatically stops the propeller rotation by cutting power or applying reverse torque, allowing for lighter and more open propeller shrouds that enhance efficiency, weight, and noise reduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If propeller guards/shrouds are used to protect the public and propellers, then safety is improved, but weight increases and airflow is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical propeller guard system with an optical detection system (light beams) combined with an electrical control system. Instead of using physical barriers to prevent injury, the system uses light sensors to detect objects and electronically controls the propeller motor to stop rotation, thereby eliminating the need for heavy mechanical guards while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the safety function from the mechanical guard structure and separates it into independent functional components: light emission, light detection, and motor control. This allows the safety mechanism to operate without the physical constraints and weight of traditional guards, enabling the use of lighter, more open shroud designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If propeller guards/shrouds are used to protect the public and propellers, then safety is improved, but noise increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical propeller guard system with an optical detection system (light beams) combined with an electrical control system. Instead of using physical barriers to prevent injury, the system uses light sensors to detect objects and electronically controls the propeller motor to stop rotation, thereby eliminating the need for heavy mechanical guards while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Weight of moving object

If lighter and more open propeller shrouds are used, then weight is reduced and airflow is improved, but safety protection is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveweightVSAvoidsafety

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical propeller guard system with an optical detection system (light beams) combined with an electrical control system. Instead of using physical barriers to prevent injury, the system uses light sensors to detect objects and electronically controls the propeller motor to stop rotation, thereby eliminating the need for heavy mechanical guards while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces light beams as an intermediary detection mechanism between the propeller and the object. The light beams serve as a mediator that detects the presence of objects before they can be contacted by the propeller, allowing the system to stop the propeller proactively rather than relying on passive physical barriers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If lighter and more open propeller shrouds are used, then airflow is improved, but safety protection is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow efficiencyVSAvoidsafety

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical propeller guard system with an optical detection system (light beams) combined with an electrical control system. Instead of using physical barriers to prevent injury, the system uses light sensors to detect objects and electronically controls the propeller motor to stop rotation, thereby eliminating the need for heavy mechanical guards while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 light detection system effectively prevents injuries and damage by stopping propeller rotation upon detecting objects, enabling the use of lighter and more efficient propeller shrouds that improve airflow and reduce noise and weight.

Implementation Method 1

Implementing a light detection system that emits beams of light adjacent to the propellers, which, when blocked by objects like fingers, automatically stops the propeller rotation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight detection: Light

Data Source

PatentUS11780570B2Unmanned aerial vehicle with object detection propeller stoppage

Publication Date: 2023.10.10 SNAP INC

AI summary

Systems, devices, and methods for stopping the rotation of propellers used in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) such as drones are disclosed. The propellers are stopped in response to detecting when beams of light adjacent the propellers are blocked.