Vehicle Thrust Control for Surface Transition Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle technologies are inadequate for seamlessly navigating surface transitions, such as climbing walls, due to limitations in sensor integration, motor control, and traction mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle configuration that includes a chassis with sensors, motors, and a controller subsystem, utilizing support components like wheels or skids, and drive components with propellers, which use sensor data to adjust thrust forces and orientations for effective surface transition navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If magnetic force field, static electricity, or suction technology is used to allow a vehicle to climb a wall, then the vehicle can navigate vertical surfaces, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex magnetic force field, static electricity, or suction technology with a mechanical thrust-based system. The vehicle uses thrust components (propellers or jets) to generate forces that press the support components against the surface, enabling navigation through mechanical means rather than electromagnetic or pneumatic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle uses its own thrust generation capability to create the necessary contact force with the surface. The thrust components not only propel the vehicle but also press the support components against the surface, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for separate adhesion mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If sensor integration and motor control are improved for seamless surface transition navigation, then the navigation smoothness increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of thrust forces and orientations based on real-time sensor feedback. The controller subsystem continuously monitors sensor data and adjusts the thrust components' magnitude and direction, as well as the support component orientations, to maintain smooth navigation during surface transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle incorporates sensor subsystems that provide feedback to the controller about the vehicle's state and environment. This feedback loop enables the controller to adjust thrust forces and support component orientations in real-time, ensuring smooth navigation across varying surfaces without requiring overly complex mechanical structures.
3Productivity
If thrust forces and orientations are precisely controlled for effective surface transition navigation, then the navigation efficiency increases, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust components serve multiple functions: they propel the vehicle forward and simultaneously generate the normal force needed to press the support components against the surface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control systems for propulsion and adhesion, simplifying the overall control architecture while maintaining navigation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the thrust generation and surface contact functions into a unified system. The thrust components and support components work together as an integrated mechanism, where the thrust force directly creates the contact force, eliminating the need for separate control loops and reducing control system complexity.
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 smooth navigation across varying surfaces by precisely controlling thrust forces and orientations, ensuring continuous contact and efficient movement between different surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
control a first drive component to generate a first thrust force, control a second drive component to generate a second thrust force
Implementation Method 2
The first set of support components and second set of set of support components may be configured to carry the vehicle by creating contact between the vehicle and a surface on which the vehicle is navigating on
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicles configured for navigating surface transitions. Navigation of surface transitions is controlled by information obtained by sensors carried by the vehicle. The vehicle may be propelled forward using force generated by tiltable propellers carried by the vehicle.