Non-contact laser wireless charging system for unmanned aerial vehicle

Abstract

The invention discloses a non-contact laser wireless charging system for an unmanned aerial vehicle, relates to the technical field of unmanned aerial vehicle charging equipment, and mainly aims to provide the non-contact laser wireless charging system for the unmanned aerial vehicle, which can charge the unmanned aerial vehicle remotely. According to the main technical scheme, the non-contact laser wireless charging system for the unmanned aerial vehicle comprises a transmitting part, a main control part is connected to a laser part, a collimation part and a tracking part, and the laser part is connected to the collimation part; the receiving component comprises a receiving target plate, a cooler, a beacon component and a communication component, the receiving target plate is installed on the lower portion of the unmanned aerial vehicle body, the cooler is installed on the back of the receiving target plate, the receiving target plate is connected to the cooler and the beacon component, the communication component is connected to the beacon component and the cooler, and the communication component is in signal connection with the main control component. The method is mainly used for remote charging of the unmanned aerial vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of drone charging equipment technology, and in particular to a non-contact laser wireless charging system for drones. Background Technology

[0002] With the widespread application of drone technology in fields such as inspection, surveying, agriculture, security, and logistics, its endurance has become a core bottleneck restricting its further development. Traditional drones mainly rely on batteries for power, and the limited battery capacity severely restricts their mission radius and operating time. Using manual battery replacement or wired charging is not only inefficient but also difficult to implement in complex or hazardous environments.

[0003] Existing wireless charging technologies, such as electromagnetic induction or magnetic resonance charging, while avoiding physical contact, have extremely short effective charging distances (typically a few centimeters to a few meters), requiring the drone to land precisely on the charging base, making in-flight charging impossible. This also disrupts mission continuity. Furthermore, the strong alternating electromagnetic field generated by electromagnetic induction can severely interfere with the drone's delicate electronic equipment, such as flight control systems, GPS modules, and communication radios, affecting flight safety and stability. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, embodiments of the present invention provide a non-contact laser wireless charging system for drones, the main purpose of which is to provide a non-contact laser wireless charging system for drones that can remotely charge drones.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention mainly provides the following technical solutions:

[0006] This invention provides a non-contact laser wireless charging system for drones, the system comprising:

[0007] The transmitting component includes a laser component, a collimation component, a tracking component, and a main control component. The main control component is connected to the laser component, the collimation component, and the tracking component, respectively. The laser component is connected to the collimation component.

[0008] The receiving component includes a receiving target plate, a cooler, a beacon component, and a communication component. The receiving target plate is installed on the lower part of the UAV body, the cooler is installed on the back of the receiving target plate, the receiving target plate is connected to the cooler and the beacon component, the communication component is connected to the beacon component and the cooler, and the communication component is signal-connected to the main control component.

[0009] Furthermore, the tracking component includes a turntable and a first tracking module. The first tracking module includes a first camera and an image processing unit. The first camera is disposed on the upper part of the turntable, and the image processing unit is connected to the first camera and the main control component.

[0010] Furthermore, the tracking component also includes a second tracking module, which includes a second camera, a tracker, and a fast-reflecting mirror. The tracker is connected to the second camera and the fast-reflecting mirror, respectively. The second camera and the fast-reflecting mirror are connected to the main control component. The second camera is used to capture the beacon light emitted by the beacon component.

[0011] Furthermore, the laser component includes a laser and a laser power supply. The laser is connected to both the collimation component and the laser power supply. The main control component is connected to the laser, the collimation component, and the laser power supply.

[0012] Furthermore, the main control component includes a processor, a communication module, and a monitoring unit. The processor is connected to the communication module and the monitoring unit, respectively, and the monitoring unit is connected to the fast-reflecting mirror.

[0013] Furthermore, the receiving component also includes a power management module and a battery component, wherein the power management module is connected to the receiving target board, the communication module, and the battery component, respectively.

[0014] Furthermore, the receiving target plate includes multiple photovoltaic cell modules, which are arranged in an array structure.

[0015] Furthermore, each of the photovoltaic cell modules includes a PN junction, an electron-hole pair, a built-in electric field, and a load component. The two ends of the built-in electric field are respectively disposed between the PN junction and the electron-hole pair, and the load component is connected to the electron-hole pair.

[0016] Furthermore, an extension component is provided, one end of which is connected to the drone body and the other end of which is connected to the receiving component.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following technical effects:

[0018] In the technical solution provided by this invention, the transmitting component charges the drone by emitting a laser to the receiving component. The transmitting component includes a laser component, a collimation component, a tracking component, and a main control component. The main control component is connected to the laser component, the collimation component, and the tracking component, respectively. The laser component is connected to the collimation component. The receiving component receives the laser and charges the drone. The receiving component includes a receiving target plate, a cooler, a beacon component, and a communication component. The receiving target plate is installed on the lower part of the drone body, the cooler is installed on the back of the receiving target plate, the receiving target plate is connected to the cooler and the beacon component, and the communication component is connected to the beacon component and the cooler. Furthermore, the communication component is signal-connected to the main control component. Compared to existing technologies, current wireless charging technologies, such as electromagnetic induction or magnetic resonance charging, while avoiding physical contact, have extremely short effective charging distances (typically a few centimeters to a few meters), requiring the drone to land precisely on the charging base, making in-flight charging impossible. This also interrupts the continuity of the mission. Furthermore, the strong alternating electromagnetic field generated by electromagnetic induction can severely interfere with the delicate electronic equipment of UAVs, such as flight control systems, GPS modules, and communication radios, affecting flight safety and stability. In this technical solution, by setting up a transmitting component on the ground, the main control component controls the tracking component and collimation component to locate the receiving component, the laser component outputs near-infrared and far-infrared bands to the receiving component, the receiving target plate receives the near-infrared and far-infrared bands and converts them into electrical energy for storage, the beacon component is used to emit laser beacons, the tracking component can receive the laser beacons in real time, and at the same time, the collimation component adjusts the position of the laser component in real time so that the laser emitted by the laser component can be received by the receiving target plate and converted into electrical energy, thereby achieving the technical effect of charging the receiving target plate. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a non-contact laser wireless charging system for drones provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a launching component provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a receiving component provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of a receiving target plate provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a control logic flowchart of a main control component provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0025] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a non-contact laser wireless charging system for drones, the system comprising:

[0026] The transmitting component 1 includes a laser component, a collimation component 12, a tracking component, and a main control component. The main control component is connected to the laser component, the collimation component 12, and the tracking component. The laser component is connected to the collimation component 12.

[0027] The receiving component includes a receiving target plate 21, a cooler 22, a beacon component 23, and a communication component 24. The receiving target plate 21 is installed on the lower part of the UAV body 9, the cooler 22 is installed on the back of the receiving target plate 21, the receiving target plate 21 is connected to the cooler 22 and the beacon component 23, the communication component 24 is connected to the beacon component 23 and the cooler 22, and the communication component 24 is signal-connected to the main control component.

[0028] In the technical solution provided by this embodiment of the invention, the function of the transmitting component 1 is to charge the drone by emitting a laser to the receiving component. The transmitting component 1 includes a laser component, a collimating component 12, a tracking component, and a main control component. The main control component is connected to the laser component, the collimating component 12, and the tracking component, respectively. The laser component is connected to the collimating component 12. The function of the receiving component is to receive the laser and charge the drone. The receiving component includes a receiving target plate 21, a cooler 22, a beacon component 23, and a communication component 24. The receiving target plate 21 is installed on the lower part of the drone body 9. The cooler 22 is installed on the back of the receiving target plate 21. The receiving target plate 21 is connected to the cooler 22 and the beacon component 23. The communication component 24 is connected to the beacon component 23 and the cooler 22. Furthermore, the communication component 24 is signal-connected to the main control component. Compared with the prior art, existing wireless charging technologies, such as electromagnetic induction or magnetic resonance charging, although avoiding physical contact, have extremely short effective charging distances (usually a few centimeters to a few meters), requiring the drone to land precisely on the charging base, making in-flight charging impossible. This also disrupts the continuity of the mission. Furthermore, the strong alternating electromagnetic field generated by electromagnetic induction can severely interfere with the delicate electronic equipment of the UAV, such as the flight control system, GPS module, and communication radio, affecting flight safety and stability. In this technical solution, by setting up a transmitting component 1 on the ground, the main control component controls the tracking component and collimation component 12 to accurately locate the receiving component. The laser component outputs near-infrared and far-infrared bands to the receiving component. The receiving target plate 21 receives the near-infrared and far-infrared bands and converts them into electrical energy for storage. The beacon component 23 is used to emit a laser beacon, and the tracking component can receive the laser beacon in real time. Simultaneously, the collimation component 12 adjusts the position of the laser component in real time, so that the laser emitted by the laser component can be received by the receiving target plate 21 and converted into electrical energy, thereby achieving the technical effect of charging the receiving target plate 21.

[0029] The aforementioned transmitting component 1 charges the drone by emitting a laser to the receiving component. The transmitting component 1 includes a laser component, a collimating component 12, a tracking component, and a main control component. The main control component is connected to the laser component, the collimating component 12, and the tracking component. The laser component is connected to the collimating component 12. The laser component uses a fiber laser or a semiconductor laser array as the light source, preferably with a wavelength in the near-infrared band, such as 808nm, 940nm, or 1064nm. This band has low transmission loss in the atmosphere and high conversion efficiency for photoelectric conversion devices, such as GaAs photovoltaic cells. The power of the laser 111 can be adjusted according to the drone's charging needs and transmission distance, typically ranging from 100W to 1000W. The collimating component 12 consists of a series of optical lenses, such as collimating lenses or beam expanders, which aim to straighten the diverging beam output from the laser 111. The beam is a parallel beam with a low divergence angle and uniform energy distribution to reduce energy diffusion loss during transmission and ensure high energy density after long-distance transmission. The tracking component consists of a turntable 131 and multiple tracking modules. The turntable 131 is equipped with a laser component. The rotation angle of the turntable 131 is adjusted in real time by the main control component to dynamically track the movement of the UAV. The tracking module can receive the laser beacon emitted by the beacon component 23 in real time and then transmit the beacon position to the main control component. The main control component adjusts the angle of the turntable 131 to align with the receiving target plate 21 in real time. The main control component is responsible for receiving the data transmitted by the tracking component and then driving the turntable 131 to rotate the angle through calculation. In addition, it can also receive data and status information transmitted by the communication component 24 in real time, such as battery level, position, attitude, and charging request signal. At the same time, it will also send status commands of the ground device to the communication component 24.The receiving component is used to receive laser light and charge the drone. It includes a receiving target plate 21, a cooler 22, a beacon component 23, and a communication component 24. The receiving target plate 21 is mounted on the lower part of the drone body 9. The cooler 22 is mounted on the back of the receiving target plate 21. The receiving target plate 21 is connected to the cooler 22 and the beacon component 23. The communication component 24 is connected to the beacon component 23 and the cooler 22, and its signal is connected to the main control component. The receiving target plate 21 uses multi-junction gallium arsenide photovoltaic cells arranged in a series-parallel array. The cells are optimized for specific wavelengths of ground-based laser emission, achieving a photoelectric conversion efficiency of 40%-50% or higher. The surface of the cell array is covered with an anti-reflection coating to reduce reflection loss and may integrate filters to shield against background stray light interference, allowing only specific wavelengths of laser light to pass through, thereby improving the laser conversion rate. The cooler 22 is mounted on the back of the receiving target plate 21. High-power laser irradiation can cause the receiving target plate 21 to be damaged. The target plate 21 generates a large amount of heat, which leads to a decrease in the efficiency and a shortened lifespan of the receiving target plate 21. Therefore, the cooler 22 maintains the operating temperature of the receiving target plate 21 in a high-efficiency range through active cooling. Optionally, heat dissipation fins are set on the outside of the UAV and connected to the cooler 22. The cooler 22 conducts heat to the heat dissipation fins on the outside of the UAV, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the receiving target plate 21. The communication component 24 communicates with the ground main control component and reports key status information such as the battery level of the UAV body 9, the received laser power, and the equipment temperature. In this technical solution, by setting the transmitting component 1 on the ground, the main control component controls the tracking component and the collimating component 12 to locate the position of the receiving component. The laser component outputs near-infrared and far-infrared bands to the receiving component. The receiving target plate 21 receives the near-infrared and far-infrared bands and converts them into electrical energy for storage. The beacon component 23 is used to emit laser beacons. The beacon component 23 uses a low-power, low-consumption laser diode with a wavelength that is different from that of the charging laser. It continuously emits a stable laser beacon towards the ground, providing a target for the ground-based precision tracking system. The tracking component can receive the laser beacon in real time, while the collimation component 12 adjusts the position of the laser component in real time, ensuring that the laser emitted by the laser component is received by the receiving target plate 21 and converted into electrical energy. This achieves the technical effect of charging the receiving target plate 21, completely eliminating the need for a charging base. The UAV can recharge its energy while hovering or cruising, enabling uninterrupted mission execution and revolutionizing operational efficiency. Furthermore, the energy is transmitted via light waves, generating no electromagnetic field and causing no interference to the UAV's flight control, navigation, and communication systems, or surrounding electronic equipment, thus improving equipment safety.

[0030] Furthermore, the tracking component includes a turntable 131 and a first tracking module. The first tracking module includes a first camera 132 and an image processing unit. The first camera 132 is disposed on the upper part of the turntable 131, and the image processing unit is connected to the first camera 132 and the main control component respectively. In this embodiment, the tracking component is further defined. The turntable 131 is a high-precision, high-response speed point-to-point turntable 131 used to support the laser component. The azimuth and pitch angles of the turntable 131 are controlled in real-time by the main control component. Real-time dynamic tracking is achieved by adjusting the angle of the turntable 131 through dynamic tracking. The first tracking module includes a first camera 132 and an image processing unit. The first camera 132 is located on the upper part of the turntable 131. The image processing unit is connected to both the first camera 132 and the main control component. The first camera 132 is a visible light camera. By capturing images within a wide airspace, the image processing unit uses an image recognition algorithm to calculate the approximate position coordinates of the UAV body 9 in real-time. These coordinates are then transmitted to the main control component, which drives the turntable 131 to perform range alignment. The image recognition algorithm can employ feature-based recognition or deep learning target detection to improve accuracy. Optionally, to improve detection accuracy, the tracking component also includes a second tracking module. The second tracking module includes a second camera 133, a tracker 134, and a fast-reflecting mirror 135. The tracker 134 is connected to both the second camera 133 and the fast-reflecting mirror 135. The second camera 133 and the fast-reflecting mirror 135 are connected to the main control unit. The second camera 133 is used to capture the beacon light emitted by the beacon component 23. The tracker 134 uses a four-quadrant detector or a position-sensitive detector. The second camera 133 is used to capture the laser beacon emitted by the beacon component 23. Any minute change in the position of the laser beacon spot on the target surface of the second camera 133 will be captured by the tracker 134 in real time and generate a high-precision error signal. The main control unit drives the fast-reflecting mirror 135 to perform microsecond-level rapid and subtle beam direction correction based on this error signal, achieving high-precision aiming at the sub-milliradian level, thereby achieving the technical effect of real-time capture of the drone's position.

[0031] Furthermore, the laser component includes a laser 111 and a laser power supply 112. The laser 111 is connected to both the collimating component 12 and the laser power supply 112. The main control component is connected to the laser 111, the collimating component 12, and the laser power supply 112. In this embodiment, the laser component is further defined. The collimating component 12 employs a beam shaper, which shapes the divergent beam output by the laser 111 into a parallel beam with a low divergence angle and uniform energy distribution to reduce energy diffusion loss during transmission and ensure a high energy density even after long-distance transmission. The laser power supply 112 provides electrical energy to the laser 111.

[0032] Furthermore, the main control component includes a processor 141, a communication module 142, and a monitoring unit 143. The processor 141 is connected to the communication module 142 and the monitoring unit 143, and the monitoring unit 143 is connected to the fast-reflecting mirror 135. The receiving component also includes a power management module 26 and a battery component 25. The power management module 26 is connected to the receiving target board 21, the communication module 142, and the battery component 25. In this embodiment, the main control component is further defined. The processor 141 uses existing processing equipment. The processor 141 interacts with the drone body 9 through the communication module 142. When charging is required, the processor 141 controls the laser power supply 112 to power the laser 111. The beam emitted by the laser 111 is collimated into parallel light by the beam shaper. The first camera 132 captures the approximate position of the drone body 9. The processor 141 drives the turntable 131 to align the emission port with the drone body 9. The second camera 133 captures the laser beacon signal emitted by the drone. The signal is transmitted to the tracker 134. The tracker 134 generates an error signal and drives the fast-reflecting mirror 135 to perform micro-amplitude high-frequency adjustments to achieve precise beam alignment. The monitoring unit 143 includes multiple safety sensors. An infrared proximity sensor or radar ranging sensor is deployed around the emission optical window to form a "virtual fence". Once an object enters the danger distance of the laser beam path, it will be detected. The unit immediately sends a signal to the main control component to cut off laser emission or reduce beam power below a safe threshold within milliseconds. The monitoring unit 143 continuously monitors the beam path. When a foreign object approaches the beam, it immediately alarms the processor 141 and triggers the laser 111 to shut down, thereby protecting the equipment and surrounding organisms. The power management module 26 receives electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic cell and outputs it to the battery component 25 for storage. Since laser energy may fluctuate due to atmospheric turbulence or slight aiming deviation, the photovoltaic cell outputs an unstable voltage / current. The PMM includes a maximum power point tracking circuit to adjust the operating point of the photovoltaic cell in real time so that it always outputs maximum power. The power management module 26 also includes a DC-DC voltage regulator circuit to convert the unstable DC power into a stable voltage and current suitable for charging the drone battery and to perform intelligent charging management of the battery, such as constant current / constant voltage charging. The logic flow of the control system is as follows:

[0033] (1) System power-on initialization.

[0034] (2) The drone sends a charging request, which includes its own location information.

[0035] (3) The ground coarse tracking system is activated, and turntable 131 turns to the approximate direction of the UAV.

[0036] (4) Ground-based attempts to identify and lock onto the drone beacon light.

[0037] (5) Determine if the lock was successful? If not, return to step 3. If yes, the security system performs a self-check (checks if the path is clean).

[0038] (6) Self-test passed? If not, stop the process and alarm. If yes, the main laser 111 is turned on at low power.

[0039] (7) The precision tracking system works to ensure that the light spot falls completely on the receiving target.

[0040] (8) The ground and the UAV maintain continuous communication to confirm that the energy reception is normal.

[0041] (9) Has a "stop charging" command or safety sensor trigger been received? If not, gradually increase the laser power to the rated value and maintain the charging state, continuously monitoring. If yes (or the battery is full), gradually reduce the power until the laser 111 is turned off.

[0042] (10) The process ends.

[0043] Furthermore, the receiving target plate 21 includes multiple photovoltaic cell modules arranged in an array structure. In this embodiment, the receiving target plate 21 is further defined as being composed of a photovoltaic cell array, and its output terminal is connected to the power management module 26. The power management module 26 performs MPPT and DC-DC conversion, and the output stable power is sent to the battery component 25. The cooler 22 is attached to the back of the photovoltaic cell module to cool and dissipate heat. Specifically, each photovoltaic cell module includes a PN junction 211, an electron-hole pair 213, a built-in electric field 212, and a load component 214. The two ends of the built-in electric field 212 are respectively disposed between the PN junction 211 and the electron-hole pair 213. The load component 214 is connected to the electron-hole pair 213. When a laser photon of a specific wavelength is emitted... When photon 7 irradiates the PN junction 211 of the gallium arsenide photovoltaic cell, if the photon energy is greater than the bandgap of the semiconductor material, the photon will be absorbed, exciting electron-hole pairs 213. When laser photon 7 irradiates the PN junction 211 of the photovoltaic cell module and excites electron-hole pairs 213, under the action of the built-in electric field 212, electrons (e-) flow to the N-region and holes (h+) flow to the P-region, thereby generating a voltage between the P-region and the N-region. After connecting the load component 214, a current is formed, and electrical energy is output to the power management module 26 and the battery component 25 for storage. When the external circuit is turned on, free electrons flow from the N-region to the P-region through the external circuit, forming a current, thus realizing the direct conversion of light energy into electrical energy. Multiple photovoltaic cell units are connected in series to increase the voltage and in parallel to increase the current, ultimately outputting power to meet charging requirements.

[0044] Furthermore, an extension component 8 is provided, with one end connected to the drone body 9 and the other end connected to the receiving component. In this embodiment, an extension component 8 is added, which is an extension rod. The two ends of the extension rod are connected to the drone body 9 and the receiving component, respectively, so that there is a certain distance between the receiving component and the drone body 9. On the one hand, this can reduce the damage to the drone body 9 caused by unexpected situations with the receiving component, and on the other hand, it can improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the receiving component.

[0045] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A non-contact laser wireless charging system for unmanned aerial vehicles, characterized in that, include: The transmitting component includes a laser component, a collimation component, a tracking component, and a main control component. The main control component is connected to the laser component, the collimation component, and the tracking component, respectively. The laser component is connected to the collimation component. The receiving component includes a receiving target plate, a cooler, a beacon component, and a communication component. The receiving target plate is installed on the lower part of the UAV body, the cooler is installed on the back of the receiving target plate, the receiving target plate is connected to the cooler and the beacon component, the communication component is connected to the beacon component and the cooler, and the communication component is signal-connected to the main control component.

2. The non-contact laser wireless charging system for drones according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tracking component includes a turntable and a first tracking module. The first tracking module includes a first camera and an image processing unit. The first camera is disposed on the upper part of the turntable, and the image processing unit is connected to the first camera and the main control component.

3. A non-contact laser wireless charging system for drones according to claim 2, characterized in that, The tracking component further includes a second tracking module, which includes a second camera, a tracker, and a fast-reflecting mirror. The tracker is connected to the second camera and the fast-reflecting mirror, respectively. The second camera and the fast-reflecting mirror are connected to the main control component. The second camera is used to capture the beacon light emitted by the beacon component.

4. A non-contact laser wireless charging system for drones according to claim 3, characterized in that, The laser component includes a laser and a laser power supply. The laser is connected to both the collimation component and the laser power supply. The main control component is connected to the laser, the collimation component, and the laser power supply.

5. A non-contact laser wireless charging system for drones according to claim 4, characterized in that, The main control component includes a processor, a communication module, and a monitoring unit. The processor is connected to the communication module and the monitoring unit, respectively, and the monitoring unit is connected to the fast-reflecting mirror.

6. A non-contact laser wireless charging system for unmanned aerial vehicles according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The receiving component further includes a power management module and a battery component, wherein the power management module is connected to the receiving target board, the communication module, and the battery component, respectively.

7. A non-contact laser wireless charging system for unmanned aerial vehicles according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The receiving target plate includes multiple photovoltaic cell modules, which are arranged in an array structure.

8. A non-contact laser wireless charging system for drones according to claim 7, characterized in that, Each of the photovoltaic cell modules includes a PN junction, an electron-hole pair, a built-in electric field, and a load component. The two ends of the built-in electric field are respectively disposed between the PN junction and the electron-hole pair, and the load component is connected to the electron-hole pair.

9. A non-contact laser wireless charging system for unmanned aerial vehicles according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, Also includes: An extension component, one end of which is connected to the drone body and the other end of which is connected to the receiving component.

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