UAV Propulsion Prognostics via Power Output Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ducted fan propulsion systems for small-scale unmanned aerial vehicles lack established problem detection apparatus, relying on user intuition to determine airworthiness for pre-flight and in-flight operations, which can be unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A propulsion prognostics apparatus comprising a prognostics module, power output sensor, and processor that generates and compares prognostics data and power output data to determine the airworthiness of the UAV, using sensors like tachometers, throttle position sensors, and barometric pressure sensors to assess engine performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If user intuition and experience are used to determine airworthiness, then the system remains simple without additional sensors or processors, but the reliability of determining whether the UAV is airworthy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion prognostics apparatus enables the propulsion system to self-assess its own health status by comparing actual power output measurements against expected power output values, automatically determining airworthiness without requiring external user judgment or manual inspection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual assessment method (user intuition and experience) with an electronic measurement and comparison system that uses sensors to measure power output and a processor to compare measurements against expected values, thereby substituting human judgment with automated electronic evaluation
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If no established problem detection apparatus is provided, then the device complexity remains low, but the ability to detect propulsion problems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors power output through sensors and provides feedback by comparing actual measurements against expected values, enabling real-time detection of propulsion problems and automatic determination of airworthiness status
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate components (sensors and processors) that mediate between the propulsion system and the user, translating raw power output data into meaningful airworthiness determinations and problem detections
Data Source
AI summary
Propulsion prognostics apparatus and systems for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) are provided. One propulsion prognostics apparatus comprises a prognostics module configured to generate prognostics data and a power output sensor configured to be coupled to the engine system and configured to generate power output data representing an actual power output of the engine system. The propulsion prognostics apparatus further comprises a processor coupled to the prognostics module and the power output sensor. The processor is configured to receive the prognostics data and the power output data, compare the prognostics data and the power output data, and determine the airworthiness of the UAV based on the comparison. A propulsion prognostics system includes a UAV having an engine system and the above propulsion prognostics apparatus coupled to the UAV.