Water-Propelled UAV with Remote Fluid Thrust
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) used in maritime environments for payload lifting are large, expensive, and have heavy lifting mechanisms, limiting their payload capacity and endurance.
Innovation Solution
A water-propelled UAV system where a remotely located marine surface vehicle provides pressurized fluid to the UAV via a conduit, allowing for controlled flight through adjustable nozzles and a sophisticated control system, enabling autonomous or remote operation with improved thrust-to-weight ratios and payload capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional electric or internal combustion engine powered UAVs are used for payload lifting in maritime environments, then lifting capability is provided, but the vehicles become large in size, expensive to produce and operate, and have heavy lifting mechanisms that reduce lifting capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system (fluid pump and pressurization equipment) is extracted from the UAV and relocated to a remote surface vessel. This allows the UAV to be significantly lighter while maintaining payload lifting capability, as the heavy lifting mechanisms are removed from the airborne vehicle and placed on the supporting vessel
Solution Approach 2:
A fluid conduit acts as an intermediary between the surface vessel and the UAV, delivering pressurized fluid to generate thrust. This intermediary system enables the separation of the propulsion source from the payload vehicle, resolving the contradiction between vehicle weight and lifting capacity
2Duration of action of moving object
If traditional UAVs with onboard propulsion systems are used, then autonomous flight is achieved, but the vehicles are large and have reduced endurance due to weight constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The complex propulsion system is extracted from the UAV and placed on the surface vessel, dramatically reducing the UAV's weight and complexity while extending endurance. The UAV becomes a lighter platform that can operate longer without carrying heavy fuel and propulsion equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The surface vessel serves multiple functions: it acts as the propulsion source, carries the fluid reservoir, and provides remote control capabilities. This multi-functional approach reduces overall system complexity compared to having each UAV carry its own complete propulsion system
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 system achieves significant improvements in thrust-to-weight ratios and payload capacity, allowing for efficient and controlled flight in maritime environments, including adverse weather conditions, with reduced size and cost compared to traditional UAVs.
Implementation Method 1
The vehicle includes a base configured to carry a payload, and at least one nozzle attached thereto. The at least one nozzle is configured to selectively receive pressurized fluid from a source located remotely from the vehicle and expel said fluid in a controlled manner.
Data Source
AI summary
A water-propelled or water-powered unmanned aerial vehicle including a base configured to carry a payload, and at least one nozzle attached thereto. The at least one nozzle is configured to selectively receive pressurized fluid from a source located remotely from the vehicle. The vehicle includes a control system configured to alter or otherwise selectively dictate the flow of fluid through the at least one nozzle and/or the orientation of the at least one nozzle with respect to the base in response to a received control signal for providing controlled unmanned vehicle flight.