UAV Yaw Control for Air Drag Management and Energy Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) face challenges in power efficiency due to air drag, which varies based on their shape directionality and wind conditions, affecting their flight endurance and maneuverability.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for yaw setting in UAVs that exploit or avoid air drag by determining the net drag forces acting on the vehicle, allowing the vehicle to adjust its yaw to minimize energy consumption and enhance flight efficiency, including using sensors to measure wind direction and magnitude, and adjusting yaw settings based on desired maneuvers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the UAV maintains a fixed yaw setting, then the control system is simple, but energy consumption increases due to suboptimal drag management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic yaw adjustment by continuously monitoring drag conditions and modifying the yaw setting in real-time. The control system transitions from a static fixed yaw approach to a dynamic adaptive system that responds to changing environmental conditions, thereby optimizing energy consumption without excessive complexity through event-triggered updates rather than continuous adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms by measuring drag conditions (through sensors detecting wind speed, direction, and vehicle velocity) and using this information to adjust the yaw setting. This closed-loop feedback enables the UAV to adapt to varying drag conditions and minimize energy consumption while maintaining manageable control system complexity through structured feedback processing
2Use of energy by moving object
If the UAV adjusts yaw frequently to optimize drag, then energy consumption decreases, but flight stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic or event-triggered yaw adjustments rather than continuous modification. The system monitors drag conditions and adjusts yaw only when significant changes are detected, creating a rhythmic pattern of adjustment that balances energy optimization with flight stability. This periodic action prevents excessive yaw changes while still capturing major drag condition variations
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial adjustment by making yaw changes only to the extent necessary to address detected drag conditions, rather than maximizing yaw adjustment at all times. This measured approach optimizes energy consumption while avoiding excessive yaw movements that would compromise flight stability, implementing the principle of doing just enough to achieve the goal without over-correcting
3Force
If the UAV uses directional shape to reduce drag, then air resistance decreases, but maneuverability in certain directions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for the static directional shape's maneuverability limitations by dynamically adjusting the yaw setting. While the UAV's physical shape provides aerodynamic efficiency in its optimal orientation, the dynamic yaw control system enables the vehicle to adapt to different maneuvering requirements by reorienting the entire vehicle, thereby maintaining both drag reduction benefits and maneuvering capability
Solution Approach 2:
The yaw adjustment mechanism serves multiple functions: it maintains optimal aerodynamic orientation for drag reduction, enables maneuvering in various directions despite the directional shape, and adapts to different flight conditions. This multi-functional capability resolves the contradiction by making the yaw system a universal solution that addresses both drag minimization and maneuverability requirements
4Speed
If the UAV increases power to overcome air drag, then velocity is maintained, but power efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by proactively adjusting the yaw setting in anticipation of or response to detected drag conditions before significant velocity loss occurs. By monitoring drag conditions and preemptively optimizing yaw orientation, the system reduces the need for reactive power increases, thereby maintaining velocity while improving power efficiency through preventive drag management rather than corrective thrust application
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 reduces energy consumption, enabling longer flight times, faster acceleration, and quicker deceleration, improving UAV performance in applications like mapping and delivery by dynamically optimizing yaw settings in response to changing drag conditions.
Implementation Method 1
air drag on surfaces of the UAV generated by the velocity of the UAV, or created by wind forces, acting counter to UAV movement in a desired direction
Implementation Method 2
the front may generate low resistance against air pressure while the side may generate high resistance against air pressure
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for avoiding or exploiting air drag on an aerial vehicle are disclosed. In embodiments, the methods and apparatus may be implemented in a controller and used to increase the energy efficiency of an aerial vehicle. In the embodiments, at least one parameter associated with a force on an aerial vehicle is determined. A yaw setting for the aerial vehicle is then determined that exploits or avoids air drag on the aerial vehicle for energy efficiency. The yaw setting may be referenced to a yaw based on directionality in the shape of the aerial vehicle. In other embodiments, a drag associated with a force on an aerial vehicle is determined. It is then determined if there is a selected component in the drag based on a desired maneuver of the aerial vehicle. A yaw setting is then determined based on whether the selected component is in the drag.