Serial Communication Interface for UAV Throttle Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing accelerator control methods for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) suffer from long control cycles and poor accuracy, failing to meet the requirements for higher control frequencies and precision.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a serial communication interface between the electronic speed control (ESC) and the accelerator controller, using digital accelerator signals with high baud rates to achieve shorter control cycles and increased control frequencies, thereby enhancing control accuracy and reducing interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If pulse width modulation (PWM) signals are used for accelerator control, then the control method is simple and universal, but the control cycle is long and accuracy is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidcontrol accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional PWM signal transmission method with a serial communication interface that transmits digital accelerator signals. This substitution eliminates the need for pulse width measurement and conversion, directly transmitting control data in a digital format that can be processed at higher frequencies with greater precision, thereby resolving the contradiction between control simplicity and control accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If pulse width modulation (PWM) signals are used for accelerator control, then the control method is universal, but the control frequency is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemethod universalityVSAvoidcontrol frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the PWM signal mechanism with a serial communication interface that transmits digital signals. This allows for much higher control frequencies because digital serial communication can operate at higher baud rates without the timing and measurement constraints of PWM pulse width detection, thereby increasing control frequency while maintaining adaptability through standardized digital communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If higher control frequencies and shorter control cycles are required, then control accuracy is improved, but the existing PWM method cannot meet these requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol accuracyVSAvoidcontrol frequency capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the PWM signal transmission system with a serial communication interface that transmits digital accelerator signals. This substitution enables higher control frequencies and shorter control cycles because digital serial communication can transmit data at much higher rates without the timing constraints of pulse width measurement, directly achieving improved control accuracy through increased control frequency capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3647204B1Throttle control method and device, power system, and unmanned aerial vehicle
Publication Date: 2023.04.12 AUTEL ROBOTICS CO LTD
  • EP3647204B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3647204B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present application relates to an accelerator control method and device, a power system and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The method includes: receiving, by an electronic speed control (ESC), an accelerator signal through a serial communication interface; extracting accelerator control data from the accelerator signal; generating, according to the accelerator control data, a motor control signal for controlling operation of a motor; and transmitting the motor control signal to the motor. The accelerator signal received through the serial communication interface is a digital signal subjected to small interference during transmission, unlike an analog signal that is susceptible to interference such as impedance and capacitive reactance, which causes data inaccuracy. In addition, in the manner of serial communication, a higher baud rate may be adopted to shorten an accelerator control cycle, thereby achieving high-speed control of an accelerator and increasing the control frequency.