UAV Rotor Output Balancing for Off-Center Cargo Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Unmanned aircrafts face stability issues during flight when loaded with freight due to mismatched centers of gravity, leading to tilting and unstable flight.

Innovation Solution

The unmanned aircraft is equipped with at least two generators, a sensor to detect tilt, and a processor that adjusts the output forces of the generators based on the tilt and positional relationship to maintain stability, allowing it to fly horizontally even when the freight's center of gravity does not match the aircraft's.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the unmanned aircraft is loaded with freight, then the cargo carrying capacity is improved, but the flight stability deteriorates due to mismatched centers of gravity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecargo carrying capacityVSAvoidflight stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of generator output forces based on real-time tilt detection. The processor continuously monitors the tilt angle and adjusts the output force of each generator dynamically to compensate for the mismatched center of gravity caused by freight loading, enabling stable flight under variable load conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the tilt sensor detects the aircraft's tilt angle and feeds this information back to the processor. The processor then adjusts the generator output forces accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains flight stability despite the presence of freight with mismatched center of gravity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Stability of the object's composition

If the output forces of generators are adjusted to maintain stability, then the flight stability is improved, but the control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflight stabilityVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service control mechanism where the system automatically detects tilt and adjusts generator output forces without external intervention. The processor autonomously calculates the required force adjustments based on tilt sensor data and the known positional relationships of generators, eliminating the need for complex manual control inputs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If individual generators are operated to adjust output forces, then the flight stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflight stabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the control of each generator into independent, individually controllable units. By operating generators separately and adjusting their output forces independently based on their positional relationships and the detected tilt, the system achieves precise control over the aircraft's attitude and stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different output force adjustments to different generators based on their local positional relationships relative to the center of gravity and the detected tilt direction. Each generator's output force is optimized according to its specific location and the current flight state, enabling precise stability control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

This configuration enables the unmanned aircraft to maintain stable flight by adjusting the output forces of its generators, preventing tilting and ensuring horizontal attitude, even when loaded with freight.

Implementation Method 1

at least two generators that generate forces to fly the unmanned aircraft, the at least two generators each including a rotor blade that generates an airflow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAirflow generation:

Implementation Method 2

a sensor that detects a tilt of the unmanned aircraft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3919373B1Unmanned aerial vehicle, information processing method, and program
Publication Date: 2024.01.03 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3919373B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3919373B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3919373B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An unmanned aircraft (1) includes: at least two generators (20) generating forces to fly the unmanned aircraft (1), each including a rotor blade generating an airflow; a sensor (30) detecting a tilt of the unmanned aircraft (1); and a processor (100) controlling the generators (20) to control flight of the unmanned aircraft (1). The processor (100): obtains an output force adjustment trigger for the generators (20); obtaining the trigger, causes each generator (20) to individually operate at least until the tilt of the unmanned aircraft (1) detected by the sensor (30) satisfies a predetermined condition; determines a reference value related to an output force of each generator (20) from a value related to the output force of each generator (20) when the tilt of the unmanned aircraft (1) satisfies the predetermined condition and a positional relationship between the generators (20); and controls the flight of the unmanned aircraft (1), using the reference values determined.