Vehicle-Drone Coordination for Extended UAS Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) face limitations in flight distance due to battery constraints and are restricted to specific regions by regulations, hindering their operational flexibility and efficiency in various applications.
Innovation Solution
An unmanned aerial system comprising a telematics service server, an unmanned aerial apparatus, and a vehicle that collaborate through coordinated movement, where the telematics service server manages the vehicle's path and the unmanned aerial apparatus' landing and takeoff, enabling extended flight capabilities and compliance with regulatory restrictions by using autonomous driving and environmental considerations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the unmanned aerial apparatus flies independently, then it can operate autonomously, but its flight distance is limited due to battery constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vehicle as an intermediary carrier that transports the unmanned aerial apparatus. The vehicle has its own power source (engine or motor) that does not deplete like the drone's battery, allowing the system to achieve extended range by transferring the payload between the drone's autonomous flight capability and the vehicle's sustained transport capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the unmanned aerial apparatus with a vehicle to form a hybrid system. The drone provides autonomous navigation and aerial operations, while the vehicle provides extended range and payload protection. This combination allows the system to overcome the individual limitations of each platform.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the unmanned aerial apparatus flies in restricted regions, then it complies with flight regulations, but its operational flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the operational journey into two distinct phases: aerial flight phase (where the drone operates autonomously in permitted zones) and ground transport phase (where the vehicle transports the drone to or from restricted areas). This segmentation allows compliance with no-fly zones while maintaining operational flexibility by switching between modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically transitions between autonomous aerial operation and vehicle-carrying modes based on location and mission requirements. The telematics service coordinates these transitions, allowing the unmanned aerial apparatus to adapt its operational state to comply with regional regulations while maintaining overall mission flexibility.
3Productivity
If the telematics service server coordinates collaborative movement, then operational efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The telematics service server implements continuous feedback loops by monitoring the locations, statuses, and mission progress of both the unmanned aerial apparatus and vehicle. This feedback enables real-time coordination and optimization of collaborative movements, improving operational efficiency through data-driven decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The telematics service server acts as an intermediary coordination layer that manages the complex interactions between the unmanned aerial apparatus and vehicle. By centralizing the coordination logic in the server rather than requiring complex direct communication between the drone and vehicle, the system achieves efficient collaboration while managing complexity through cloud-based orchestration.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes: a vehicle sensor configured to sense surroundings; a communication device configured to communicate with a telematics service server; and a controller configured to carry an unmanned aerial apparatus which is a collaboration object transmitted from the telematics service server. In particular, the controller controls the vehicle to move in collaboration with the unmanned aerial apparatus.