Wind Shear Sail Control for Balloon Altitude Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing unmanned aircraft systems face challenges in efficiently controlling altitude and maintaining stability in varying wind conditions without relying on ballast or gas release, which can be costly and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A system and method utilizing a balloon module and sail module tethered at a distance to generate aerodynamic lift by modifying the pitch angle of control surfaces in response to wind shear, allowing for altitude control and stability without dropping ballast or venting gas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If traditional altitude control methods using ballast or gas release are employed, then altitude adjustment is achieved, but resource consumption increases and flight duration decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflight durationVSAvoidballast and gas consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of wind shear, which traditionally causes instability and control difficulties, into a beneficial force for altitude control. By positioning the sail module below the balloon module, the system exploits wind shear forces to generate aerodynamic lift that actively controls altitude, transforming what was previously a destabilizing factor into the primary control mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical ballast release system with an aerodynamic sail-based control system. Instead of using gravity-driven ballast dropping or gas venting mechanisms, the system employs aerodynamic forces generated by the sail module to control altitude, eliminating the need for consumable resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Force

If sail module is positioned close to balloon module, then structural complexity is reduced, but wind shear effect is insufficient for effective lift generation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic lift forceVSAvoidtether distance between modules

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic tether system that allows the sail module to move vertically relative to the balloon module in response to varying wind conditions. The tether length and angle can adjust dynamically to optimize the exploitation of wind shear forces, enabling the system to adapt to changing atmospheric conditions and maintain effective lift generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If control surfaces are made highly responsive to wind shear, then altitude control precision improves, but system complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealtitude control precisionVSAvoidenergy for control surface actuation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The sail module functions as a passive aerodynamic control surface that automatically responds to wind shear forces without requiring active actuation or energy input. The control surfaces are designed to exploit natural aerodynamic forces, allowing the wind itself to perform the control function, thereby eliminating the need for powered actuators and associated energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 effectively maintains target altitudes and flight direction by leveraging wind shear forces, increasing flight hours and conserving resources like ballast and gas, while reducing reliance on traditional control methods.

Implementation Method 1

a balloon module (110) configured to induce aerostatic lift into the atmosphere; and a sail module (120) coupled to the balloon module (110) and configured to induce aerodynamic lift

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerostatic lift: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Implementation Method 2

a sail module (120) coupled to the balloon module (110) and configured to induce aerodynamic lift from wind shear

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic lift: Aerofoil

Implementation Method 3

extract work resulting from a wind shear velocity between the balloon module (110) and the sail module (120) of the system (100) to generate aerodynamic lift

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWind shear:

Data Source

PatentUS12576996B2System and method for generating aerodynamic lift from wind shear at a system

Publication Date: 2026.03.17 WINDBORNE SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

A system includes: a lower sail module; an upper sail module; and a bridle assembly. The lower sail module defines a first edge and a second edge and includes: a first control surface extending between the first edge and the second edge; a set of payload instruments; and a motorized spool arranged proximal the second edge of the lower sail module. The upper sail module: is arranged above the lower sail module; defines a third edge and a fourth edge and includes; and includes a second control surface extending between the third edge and the fourth edge. The bridle assembly includes: a set of fixed sail cables coupling the upper sail module to the first control surface proximal the first edge; and a sail control cable wound about the motorized spool and coupling the upper sail module to the first control surface proximal the second edge.