In a significant stride towards enhancing drone capabilities, researchers have developed a novel robotic landing gear system that promises to revolutionize vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) operations, particularly on uneven and dynamic surfaces like ship decks. This innovative system, detailed in a recent paper published in the journal ‘Drones’ (formerly known as ‘Drones’), is the brainchild of Masoud Kabganian from the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) in Canada.
The research addresses a critical limitation in current unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designs: their inability to land safely on slopes exceeding 15 degrees. Traditional robotic landing gear (RLG) systems often suffer from complexity, weight issues, and increased rollover risks. Kabganian’s team tackled these challenges by designing a hybrid, compliant, belt-driven, three-legged RLG system. This design reduces the number of articulated drivetrain components, leading to a lighter, more energy-efficient, and durable system compared to previous designs.
One of the standout features of this new system is its use of compliant mechanisms with three-flexure hinges (3SFH). This innovation mitigates issues like backlash and wear, ensuring smoother torque transfer and improved vibration damping. The team also employed lightweight yet strong materials such as aluminum and titanium, enabling the legs to bend significantly without failure. “The use of lightweight yet strong materials—aluminum and titanium—enables the legs to bend 19 and 26.57°, respectively, without failure,” Kabganian explained.
The practical implications for the maritime sector are substantial. Ship decks are notoriously unpredictable, with constant motion and uneven surfaces posing significant challenges for drone operations. The new RLG system’s ability to handle these conditions could open up new opportunities for maritime surveillance, inspection, and search and rescue missions. Imagine drones effortlessly landing on the deck of a rolling ship, providing real-time data and imagery without the risk of rollover or damage.
The team validated their design through animated simulations of full-contact landing tests, using a proportional-derivative (PD) controller and ship deck motion input. The results were impressive, with stable landings achieved within a 2-second settling time and only a 2.29° overshoot, well within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-recommended maximum roll angle of 2.9°. Kabganian noted, “Simulations are performed for a VTOL UAV, with two flexible legs made of aluminum, incorporating circular flexure hinges, and a passive third one positioned at the tail.”
The commercial impact of this research is far-reaching. For maritime professionals, the ability to deploy drones for various tasks without worrying about landing stability could be a game-changer. From inspecting ship hulls for damage to conducting search and rescue operations in rough seas, the applications are vast. The system’s durability and ease of maintenance further enhance its appeal, making it a practical solution for real-world challenges.
In summary, Kabganian’s research represents a significant advancement in drone technology, particularly for the maritime sector. By addressing the limitations of current RLG systems, this innovative design paves the way for safer, more reliable, and versatile drone operations on dynamic and uneven surfaces. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more exciting developments in this field, benefiting maritime professionals and beyond.