Modular ground station system for unmanned aerial vehicles with configurable security and energy infrastructure

Abstract

Modular ground station system for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), comprising at least one mobile or stationary landing platform with ◯ a standardized lighting device, ◯ at least one power supply interface and ◯ mechanical connecting means for accommodating additional safety, energy and / or control modules, characterized in that the landing platform is designed in a scalable modular system in which all components can be connected or replaced via compatible electrical and / or mechanical interfaces.

Description

1. Introduction (Field of the invention)

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular ground station system for use with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). In particular, it concerns a scalable, mobile or stationary landing platform with configurable lighting, power, and security components that can be adapted to different deployment scenarios and requirements. The system is intended for professional, commercial, and government applications, for example, in medical logistics, agriculture, or disaster relief. 2. State of the art

[0002] The current state of the art provides various individual solutions for landing and supplying UAVs, such as transportable landing mats or simple power supply units. These known approaches are usually limited to illuminating and marking a landing area or providing power, without integrating comprehensive safety and control components. Furthermore, the systems often lack the ability to flexibly expand or adapt to different UAV sizes and payloads. Thus, the devices known to date do not form a uniform, modularly scalable overall system that combines both safety aspects (e.g., warning lights, sensors, lowering mechanisms) and power and control solutions (e.g., mobile battery modules, landing guidance units) in an integrated platform.

[0003] Furthermore, to the best of our knowledge, there is no uniform, binding standard or regulation for safety and warning markings specifically for drone or eVTOL landing sites. While regulations such as ICAO Annex 14 (Aerodrome Safety Markings), EASA guidelines (e.g., CS-LUAS, UAS.SPEC), national aviation laws (LuftVO, LuftVG), road traffic regulations (StVO, StVZO), and safety signage standards (ISO 7010, ISO 3864, DIN 4844, ASR A1.3) contain some relevant provisions, a dedicated standardization of markings or signs specifically for UAV or VTOL landing platforms has not yet been established. 3. Object of the invention

[0004] The invention aims to create a complete ground-based system that ensures the safe and efficient operation of unmanned aerial vehicles. This system should: • Consider safety-critical aspects such as obstacle detection, weather monitoring and warning lights, • Be modular and scalable to cover different UAV sizes and application areas, • Provide integrated energy supply, control and lighting facilities, • Enable connectivity and upgradeability through standardized mechanical and electrical interfaces.

[0005] The aim is to create a universally applicable ground station that offers a closed solution for all requirements of professional and government drone operations. 4. Brief summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention provides a modular ground station system comprising at least one landing platform (mobile and / or stationary). This platform is equipped with a standardized lighting system, a power supply interface, and connecting means for accommodating optional expansion modules.

[0007] Possible extensions include: • Optical landing guidance systems (e.g. LED symbols with color-coded light-emitting diodes), • Height-adjustable take-off and landing units with automatic obstacle detection, • Weather stations for automatic adjustment or lowering of the platform, • Mobile battery and energy units, • Safety signs according to relevant standards (StVO, LuftVO, EASA, ICAO, LBA, ISO 7010, DIN 4844).

[0008] Thanks to the modular design, individual components can be added, omitted, or replaced depending on the application. This provides specialists with a flexibly configurable platform suitable for both small and large UAVs. 5. Examples of implementation

[0009] Examples of possible embodiments are described below. Reference numerals and figures can be found in the accompanying drawings (Fig. AH), which illustrate the invention and its components. 1. Mobile Landing Platform (MFD-X©) ◯ Foldable construction, allowing the floor space (e.g. 1.00 m × 0.60 m) to be variably enlarged. ◯ Equipped with circumferential LED guide lights, warning lights (e.g. rotating beacon), reflective elements and a power supply interface. ◯ Optional landing guidance system (SmartHelius©) for optical guidance of incoming UAVs. 2. Stationary landing platform (SFD-X Basic©) ◯ Round construction (e.g. diameter 90-130 cm) with fixed floor or wall mount. ◯ Can be equipped with LED ring lights, warning signs (SWS-X©) and connection options for power or control components. ◯ Suitable for small to medium UAVs. 3. Stationary landing platform (SFD-X Pro©) ◯ Large-format platform (e.g. diameter 3.5-5.5 m) with lowerable landing unit. ◯ Linear drive for raising / lowering; a sensor detects obstacles and stops the movement immediately. ◯ An integrated weather station can trigger an automatic reduction if defined parameters (wind, precipitation) are exceeded. ◯ Optionally expandable to include a maintenance unit or a hall into which the UAV can be transferred laterally or horizontally. 4. Energy and security modules ◯ PowerControl: A mobile battery unit with remote control that supplies both the landing platform and external LED signs (SWS-X©). ◯ Safety markings (SWS-X©): Warning signs, pictograms, luminous elements, and, if applicable, high-visibility clothing, designed according to relevant standards (StVO, LuftVO, EASA, ICAO, LBA, ISO 7010, DIN 4844). During implementation, the regulations listed in the "State of the Art" section (e.g., StVO, LuftVO, EASA, ICAO, LBA, ISO 7010, DIN 4844) are appropriately applied to ensure high recognition, legibility, and legal compliance—especially since no independent drone standardization exists. ◯ Fluorescent cables and battery-operated LED lights ensure visibility in the dark and in bad weather conditions.

[0010] Definition of “modular” and “standard-compliant”: • Modular in this context means that all platform and additional elements have standardized, compatible interfaces (mechanical attachment points, power and data connectors). Individual modules can be removed, replaced, or added without having to fundamentally redesign the entire system. • Standard-compliant refers to compliance with relevant guidelines and regulations (e.g. StVO, LuftVO, EASA, ICAO, LBA, ISO 7010, DIN 4844), whereby signs, symbols and warning clothing are adapted in shape, colour and size to the legal requirements.

[0011] These embodiments will help those skilled in the art to understand how the system can be constructed, expanded or adapted without limiting the scope of the invention. 6. Advantages of the invention • Safe operation even with larger UAVs

[0012] Thanks to integrated obstacle detection, weather station, and warning modules, reliable, safety-oriented operation is possible even for large-format or heavy drones. • Modular and scalable

[0013] The system can be expanded with additional modules (maintenance unit, hangar, LED signal lights, etc.) depending on the application. This allows specialists to put together customized solutions. • Standard-compliant safety signs

[0014] The optional warning signs, pictograms and lighting elements comply with the relevant regulations (e.g. EASA, road traffic regulations) and increase legal certainty in practical use. • Digital configurability

[0015] Energy and lighting control can be done remotely or via a central control system. This allows the system to be quickly adapted to changing application scenarios. • Fast installation and maintenance

[0016] Mobile battery modules and foldable or divisible platform constructions facilitate transport, assembly and disassembly, as well as maintenance work. • Flexibility in choosing a location

[0017] The system components can be operated under a wide range of environmental conditions. Stationary versions (e.g., SFD-X Pro©) in particular allow for fixed installation with optional height adjustment that automatically adapts to current weather conditions. A notice:

[0018] The attached drawings (Appendix 3 - Fig. AH) serve to illustrate possible embodiments. They show exemplary reference numbers and components such as the mobile landing platform (Fig. A - reference number 1), the stationary model (Fig. B - reference number 1), rotating beacons (Fig. A - reference number 3 or Fig. B - reference number 3), or the mobile energy unit (Fig. E - reference number 1). The modularity and scalability defined in the claims claim the most comprehensive basic protection possible. However, the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments presented here, but covers all technically feasible modifications that fall within the features of the set of claims. Note on the research conducted:

[0019] In preparing this utility model application, a comprehensive prior art search was independently conducted, including national and international sources (e.g., patent databases such as DEPATISnet and Espacenet). This search did not reveal any prior art solution that fully discloses all of the features listed in the following claims.

[0020] However, it is expressly pointed out that this search does not guarantee the novelty or legal validity of the application. At the time of filing, the applicant is not aware of any conflicting intellectual property rights. Appendix 3 - Technical Drawings Index

[0021] illustration A: Mobile landing platform MFD-X© B: Stationary landing platform SFD-X Basic© C: Stationary landing platform SFD-X Professional© D: Landing guidance system SmartHelius© E: Mobile energy unit MFD-X Power Control © F: Warning sign #1 SWS-X© G: Warning sign #2 SWS-X© H: Warning sign #3 SWS-X© List of reference symbols Fig. A 1 Mobile Landing Platform MFD-X© 2 Optional landing guidance system SmartHelius© 3 rotating beacon 4 LED work lights 5 Landing platform stand foldable 6 Additional reflectors Fig. B 1 Stationary landing platform SFD-X Basic© 2 Optional landing guidance system SmartHelius© 3 rotating beacon 4 LED work lights 5 Electrical installation compartment 6 Power connection splash-proof 7 Fuse box 8 Bracket Fig. Stationary landing platform SFD-X Professional© 1 lowerable platform section 2 rubber lip seals 3 Optional landing guidance system SmartHelius© 4 Linear drive 5 Fall protection 6 Perimeter Lights / FATO Lights (green, rotating beacons) 7 TLOF Lights (Touchdown and Lift-Off Area Lights) (white, recessed) 8 Contact bridge power supply Fig. a Optional landing guidance system SmartHelius© b Red LED lights c Green LED lights d Rest of visible area white backlight 1 platform (detail) 2 Upper housing 3 Plexiglass 4 LEDs 5 UHF RFID units 6 Infrared module 7 Lower housing 8 mother 9 threaded bolts 10 Antenna Fig. E 1 Mobile energy unit MFD-X Power Control © 2 radios for e.g. operator + spotter (FPV) 3 Removable warning light (rotating light) 4 Electronics flap lock 5 labels 6 work light Fig. F 1 Warning Sign #1 SWS-X© 2 LED 3 pictogram 4 Labeling 5 Stand Fig.: G 1 Warning sign #2 SWS-X© 2 pictograms 3 LED lighting 4 Additional warning text Fig. H a Warning sign #3 SWS-X© b pictogram c Labeling 1 warning sign SWS-X© back 2 Foldable stand 3 fastening chain 4. LED lighting 5 Carrying handle 6 Optional power bank 7 Height-adjustable stand Appendix 4

[0022] System component compatibility table Module / component MFD-X(mobile) SFD-X Basic (stationary, small) SFD-X Pro (stationary, large) SmartHelius (optional control system) X X X (Size-adjusted) PowerControl X (mobile power) X X nv Large maintenance hall nv nv X Small solar unit X X nv Large solar unit nv nv X Portable generator X X nv Large generator nv nv X 230 V charger (mobile) X X nv Safety Warning Signs X X X Safety Wear (protective clothing) X X X LED zone lighting X X X Fluorescent cabling X X X LED sticks (battery operated) X X X X = COMPATIBLE nv = not planned QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited non-patent literature

[0000] ISO 7010, DIN 4844

[0010]

Claims

[1] Modular ground station system for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), comprising at least one mobile or stationary landing platform with ◯ a standardized lighting device, ◯ at least one power supply interface and ◯ mechanical connecting devices for accommodating additional safety, energy and / or control modules, characterized by that the landing platform is designed as a scalable modular system in which all components can be connected or replaced via compatible electrical and / or mechanical interfaces. [2] System according to claim 1, characterized by that the landing platform has a foldable and dimensionally variable design to facilitate transport and adaptation to different UAV sizes. [3] System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat an optical landing guidance system with color-coded LEDs is integrated or retrofittable, which provides the UAV with approach and orientation signals. [4] System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a stationary version of the landing platform includes a lowerable landing unit, the height of which can be adjusted via a drive. [5] System according to claim 4, characterized by that the lowerable landing unit is equipped with an obstacle detection system, which automatically stops the height adjustment when an obstacle is detected. [6] System according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized by that a weather station is provided which triggers the lowering of the platform if defined meteorological parameters are exceeded. [7] System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat an optionally attachable maintenance or hangar unit is provided, which enables the UAV to be safely transferred to a maintenance or storage area. [8] System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that safety signs in the form of warning signs, pictograms or warning clothing are integrated, which are designed in accordance with the relevant standards (StVO, LuftVO, EASA, ICAO, LBA, ISO 7010, DIN 4844). [9] System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a mobile battery unit is provided which can be switched on via a remote control and can supply both the landing platform and external warning and lighting elements. [10] System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that battery-operated LED lighting elements and / or fluorescent cables are used to increase the visibility of the ground unit in limited light conditions.

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