UAV UWB Radar for Safe UXO Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable, hand-held radar systems expose operators to significant danger when used for detecting hidden objects or individuals in hostile or inaccessible environments, such as unexploded ordnance or occupied buildings, as they require close proximity and lack remote operation capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A multi-propeller unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with an ultra-wideband (UWB) radar imaging system and a control system for remote operation, allowing safe detection of objects and individuals from a distance, using a combination of sensors including UWB radar and optical zooming devices, and enabling quiet take-off and landing for covert monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a portable hand-held radar system is used for detection, then detection capability is improved, but operator safety deteriorates due to exposure to dangerous objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) as an intermediary carrier to hold and operate the radar system. The UAV flies between the operator and the dangerous target area, allowing the radar to detect objects at a safe distance. This mediator eliminates direct exposure of the operator to harmful factors while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional hand-held mechanical radar system with an aerodynamically-propelled UAV-based system. Instead of the operator physically holding and operating the radar close to the target, the system uses aerodynamic forces to propel the UAV to the detection position, substituting mechanical human operation with automated aerial deployment.
2Measurement precision
If the operator approaches close to the target for detection, then measurement precision is improved, but exposure to harmful factors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV serves as an intermediary platform that positions the radar system close to the target for accurate detection while keeping the operator at a safe distance. The UAV's aerial position allows it to bridge the gap between the need for close detection and the need for operator safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the detection system from ground-based hand-held operation to aerial UAV-based operation. By moving the radar system into the third dimension (air space), the system achieves both close proximity to the target for accurate detection and safe distance from the operator, effectively using dimensional change to resolve the contradiction.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If remote operation is implemented, then operator safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV is designed as a multi-functional platform that combines aerodynamic propulsion, radar system integration, and remote communication capabilities into a single device. This universal design allows the same platform to handle propulsion, detection, and data transmission, reducing the need for separate complex subsystems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the propulsion system, radar system, and control system into an integrated UAV platform. By combining these functions into a single unified system rather than separate components, the overall complexity is managed more efficiently while achieving remote operation capability.
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
Enables safe and remote detection of living individuals and inanimate objects, including unexploded ordnance, from a safe distance, reducing operator risk and providing real-time tracking and surveillance information, suitable for dangerous or inaccessible situations like war zones or collapsed buildings.
Implementation Method 1
an ultra-wideband (UWB) radar imaging system housed in the housing
Implementation Method 2
a multi-propeller aircraft having a main propeller and a plurality of wing unit propellers
Implementation Method 3
a multi-propeller aircraft having a main propeller and a plurality of wing unit propellers
Data Source
AI summary
A surveillance system includes a multi-propeller aircraft having a main propeller and a plurality of wing unit propellers; a housing that houses the main propeller and the wing unit propellers; an ultra-wideband (UWB) radar imaging system; a control system for controlling flight of the multi-propeller aircraft from a remote location; and a telemetry system for providing information from the ultra-wideband (UWB) radar imaging system to the remote location. A method includes: remotely controlling flight of the aircraft using a main propeller and a plurality of wing unit propellers with airflow from the main propeller to the wing unit propellers for lift and propulsion; operating an ultra-wideband (UWB) radar imaging system from the aircraft; and transmitting information from the UWB radar imaging system to a display at a location remote from the aircraft.