UAV Return Path Switching for Sensor Failure and Obstacle Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UAV return strategies often require ascending to high altitudes for safety, resulting in reduced efficiency and increased power consumption, which can shorten the operational battery duration and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A UAV return method that employs two strategies based on the status of obstacle avoidance sensors: flying to a return altitude when sensors fail for safety, and determining a return path using sensor data when sensors operate normally to enhance efficiency and save power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UAV ascends to a higher return altitude to avoid obstacles, then flight safety is improved, but power consumption increases and return efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the return altitude adjustable rather than fixed. The UAV dynamically adjusts its return altitude based on real-time sensor detection results, switching between a first return altitude (higher) when obstacles are detected and a second return altitude (lower) when no obstacles are detected. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by optimizing the balance between safety and power consumption according to actual flight conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of return altitude based on sensor detection results. When the sensor detects obstacles, the return altitude is set to a higher value to ensure safety; when no obstacles are detected, the return altitude is reduced to save power. This parameter change strategy resolves the technical contradiction by adapting the return altitude to actual environmental conditions rather than using a fixed high altitude throughout.
2Reliability
If the UAV ascends to a higher return altitude to avoid obstacles, then flight safety is improved, but return efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the return altitude dynamic rather than static. The UAV continuously monitors the environment using sensors and adjusts the return altitude in real-time: using a first return altitude when obstacles are detected and a second return altitude when the path is clear. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction between safety and return efficiency by only using higher altitudes when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the return altitude parameter based on sensor detection results. When obstacles are detected, the system increases the return altitude to ensure safety; when no obstacles are present, it reduces the return altitude to improve return efficiency. This parameter adjustment strategy resolves the contradiction by optimizing the return altitude according to actual flight conditions.
3Productivity
If the UAV uses sensor data for obstacle avoidance, then return efficiency is improved, but flight safety may be compromised when sensors fail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by preparing two different return altitude strategies in advance: a first return altitude for safe operation and a second return altitude for efficient operation. The system detects sensor status beforehand and selects the appropriate strategy, cushioning against the risk of sensor failure by having a safe return option ready. This resolves the contradiction by ensuring safety is maintained even when sensors are used for efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the return strategy dynamic by switching between two modes based on sensor status. When sensors operate normally, the system uses the second return altitude for efficiency; when sensor failure is detected, it switches to the first return altitude for safety. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction between using sensors for efficiency and maintaining safety when sensors may fail.
Data Source
AI summary
A return method or device for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a UAV and a storage medium are provided. The method includes: detecting whether a sensor for obstacle avoidance fails; if the sensor fails, determining a return path of the UAV based on a first return strategy; if the sensor operates normally, determining the return path of the UAV based on a second return strategy; the first return strategy includes controlling the UAV to fly to a return altitude; the second return strategy includes determining the return path of the UAV based on detection data from the sensor. The combination of these two return strategies can achieve a balance between the return efficiency and safety of the UAV.