UAV Sensor-Guided Takeoff and Landing for Uneven Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for operating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) require extensive practice and training, particularly for landing and takeoff, which can be challenging on uneven surfaces and in windy conditions.
Innovation Solution
The development of alternative methods for launching and decelerating UAVs, including detecting positional changes, visual signals, and release of a grip by a hand, to automatically activate the UAV's rotor blades and generate lift and/or thrust.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional manual control methods are used for UAV takeoff and landing, then the UAV can be operated with basic control mechanisms, but the operation requires extensive practice and training especially on uneven surfaces and in windy conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV detects its own positional changes and environmental conditions using onboard sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, GPS) and automatically adjusts rotor blade pitch and motor speed to compensate for uneven surfaces and wind, enabling autonomous takeoff and landing without requiring operator skill or practice
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated control system that uses sensor data (acceleration, orientation, position) to dynamically adjust rotor blade pitch angles and motor speeds, substituting the operator's manual interventions with automated electronic control algorithms
2Ease of operation
If automated detection and activation systems are implemented, then takeoff and landing become simpler for amateur users, but the device complexity increases with additional sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The onboard sensors serve multiple functions: accelerometers and gyroscopes detect both positional changes during takeoff/landing and orientation for navigation, GPS provides location data for both autonomous operation and telemetry, allowing the system to handle diverse operational requirements with a unified sensor suite
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple sensor inputs (accelerometer, gyroscope, GPS) and control functions (rotor blade pitch adjustment, motor speed control) into an integrated autonomous control system that operates as a unified mechanism rather than separate independent systems
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
These methods enable simplified and user-friendly UAV operation, allowing for successful takeoff and landing on uneven surfaces and in various environmental conditions, even for amateur users with little training.
Implementation Method 1
activating the UAV to generate a lift and/or thrust
Implementation Method 2
activating the UAV to generate a lift and/or thrust
Data Source
AI summary
An aerial vehicle landing method includes controlling to decelerate, with aid of one or more processors and in response to at least two of a plurality of conditions being satisfied, the aerial vehicle to cause the aerial vehicle to land autonomously. The plurality of conditions includes determining that an external signal related to a human is detected via one or more sensors; determining that a location/orientation change of the aerial vehicle is detected while the aerial vehicle is airborne; and determining that an external contact from an external object is exerted upon the aerial vehicle, the external object being an object that is not part of the aerial vehicle.