VTOL UAV LIDAR Mounting for Full Indoor Spherical Scanning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing VTOL UAVs with movable LIDAR sensing systems are weight and cost-intensive, obstructive, and inefficient for indoor scanning due to the need for additional motors and structural mechanisms, which compromise flight performance and autonomy.
Innovation Solution
A VTOL UAV design featuring a statically mounted 3D LIDAR sensor with a 360° rotation axis and a scanning angle of 70° to 110°, inclined at 35° to 50° relative to the yaw axis, integrated with a propulsion system of non-coaxially spaced propellers, allowing for spherical scanning without motorized moving mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a motorized moving mechanism is used to mount the LIDAR to increase scanning volume, then the scanning capability is improved, but the weight and cost of the UAV increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the motorized moving mechanism from the LIDAR mounting system, extracting the unnecessary complexity and weight. Instead, the LIDAR is statically mounted on the UAV chassis, and the scanning is achieved by rotating the entire UAV body, thereby eliminating additional motors and structural mechanisms while maintaining full scanning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the UAV rotation function with the LIDAR scanning function. By mounting the LIDAR statically on the rotating UAV platform, the body rotation serves dual purposes: navigation/positioning and LIDAR scanning, thereby eliminating the need for separate motorized scanning mechanisms
2Adaptability or versatility
If a motorized moving mechanism is used to mount the LIDAR to increase scanning volume, then the scanning capability is improved, but the cost of the UAV increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the motorized moving mechanism from the LIDAR mounting system, extracting the unnecessary complexity and weight. Instead, the LIDAR is statically mounted on the UAV chassis, and the scanning is achieved by rotating the entire UAV body, thereby eliminating additional motors and structural mechanisms while maintaining full scanning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the UAV body rotation serve multiple functions: both navigation/positioning and LIDAR scanning. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated scanning mechanisms, reducing component count and manufacturing cost
3Volume of stationary object
If the LIDAR is mounted on a moving mechanism to increase scanning volume, then the scanning volume is improved, but the UAV is obstructed by propulsion system elements blocking portions of the sensing volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the scanning approach from horizontal plane scanning (2D) to spherical 3D scanning by inclining the LIDAR rotation axis at 45° relative to the vertical axis. This dimensional change allows the laser beam to scan across all spatial dimensions, eliminating blind zones created by the propulsion system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an asymmetric mounting configuration with the LIDAR rotation axis inclined at 45° rather than being aligned with the vertical or horizontal axes. This asymmetric orientation, combined with the scanning angle of 70°-110°, creates a spherical scanning pattern that circumvents obstructions from the propulsion system elements
4Adaptability or versatility
If additional motors and structural mechanisms are added to mount the LIDAR, then the scanning capability is improved, but the flight performance and autonomy are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the motorized moving mechanism from the LIDAR mounting system, extracting the unnecessary complexity and weight. Instead, the LIDAR is statically mounted on the UAV chassis, and the scanning is achieved by rotating the entire UAV body, thereby eliminating additional motors and structural mechanisms while maintaining full scanning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the UAV body rotation serve multiple functions: both navigation/positioning and LIDAR scanning. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated scanning mechanisms, reducing component count and manufacturing cost
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
The design achieves lightweight, cost-effective, safe, and efficient indoor scanning with high autonomy and robustness, ensuring complete environmental coverage without dead zones.
Implementation Method 1
LIDAR sensing systems that use light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges to objects in the environment of the sensor
Implementation Method 2
use light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges to objects
Data Source
AI summary
A VTOL UAV comprising a chassis, a propulsion system mounted on the chassis, electronics including a flight control system, and a 3D LIDAR sensor mounted on the chassis. The 3D LIDAR sensor has a laser beam 360° rotation axis (R) and an azimuthal scanning angle (α) in a range of 70° to 110°. The propulsion system comprises a plurality of propellers with motors configured for flight without wings, including static hovering flight, the VTOL UAV comprising a yaw axis (Z) about which it can rotate upon itself. The 3D LIDAR sensor is statically mounted on the chassis such that the LIDAR laser beam 360° rotation axis (R) is inclined at a LIDAR inclination angle (β) with respect to the yaw axis (Z) in a range of 35° to 50°.