UAV Swarm Positioning Using Drag Data for Longer Delivery Range

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Solution Overview

Problem

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) used for goods delivery face limitations in energy efficiency due to limited battery capacity, leading to restricted reach and flight time, and existing solutions do not adequately address downtime and inefficient use caused by the need for recharging during missions.

Innovation Solution

A method of controlling a swarm of UAVs by determining the relative position based on drag data to optimize energy consumption, reach, and flight time, which involves selecting a final delivery area considering payload vulnerability indices and pick-up times to enhance delivery efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If drones are self-powered with limited battery capacity, then the drones can operate autonomously, but the reach and flight time are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautonomous operationVSAvoidflight time

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple drones into a collaborative system where drones work together in formations. By merging their capabilities, the system achieves extended operational duration beyond what a single drone could accomplish with limited battery capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces relay drones as intermediaries that receive, store, and transfer payloads between origin and destination. These intermediary drones enable extended reach without requiring each drone to complete the entire journey independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by moving object

If drones need to recharge during delivery missions, then battery capacity limitations are addressed, but downtime and operational efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery capacityVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous operational capability through relay drones that can transfer payloads mid-mission. This eliminates downtime by ensuring that delivery operations continue uninterrupted even when individual drones need to return for recharging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs relay drones positioned in advance along the delivery route. These pre-positioned drones receive payloads before the main delivery drone completes its journey, allowing the system to maintain continuous operation without waiting for battery recharges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If drones fly in swarms to deliver packages, then energy consumption and delivery time are reduced, but the complexity of controlling the swarm increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery speedVSAvoidswarm control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the delivery task into discrete segments handled by different drones in the swarm. Each drone performs specific functions (payload carrying, relay, navigation assistance), which simplifies the control problem by breaking down the complex coordinated task into manageable, specialized sub-tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Loss of energy

If the swarm structure is dynamically updated based on various factors, then energy efficiency and communication are improved, but the computational requirements and control complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts operational parameters such as formation geometry, drone roles, and flight paths based on real-time conditions like weather, battery status, and payload requirements. This allows the system to optimize energy consumption by adapting to changing conditions without requiring complete reconfiguration of the control architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach significantly improves energy efficiency, extends the reach and flight time of UAVs, and allows for more efficient delivery operations by optimizing the positioning of UAVs within the swarm and selecting suitable delivery areas based on environmental conditions and payload sensitivity.

Implementation Method 1

determining the relative position based on drag data which is indicative of air resistance for the one or more UAVs in the group

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDrag: Drag

Data Source

PatentUS11851180B2Controlling a group of unmanned aerial vehicles for delivery of goods

Publication Date: 2023.12.26 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

A control system in a delivery system performs a method of controlling unmanned aerial vehicles, UAVs, which are organized in a group or swarm to perform one or more missions to deliver and/or pick up goods. The method includes obtaining drag data indicative of air resistance for one or more UAVs in the group, determining, as a function of the drag data, a respective relative position of at least the one or more UAVs within the group, and controlling at least the one or more UAVs to attain the respective relative position. Such adjustment in the relative position of one or more UAVs enables improved energy efficiency and may be made to reduce energy consumption, increase reach or decrease travel time of at least one UAV in the group.