Air Mobility Charging Coupling Control for Safe Auto-Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Charging air mobility devices in urban environments poses safety and efficiency challenges due to the need for quick and precise power transfer in confined spaces, with potential damage or accidents from unexpected device movements during charging.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for controlling the coupling between the charger and the air mobility device, using sensors and processors to ensure stable power transfer by maintaining coupling parameters and monitoring device status, and releasing the coupling if safety thresholds are breached.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual charging operation is performed in confined urban zones, then charging can be completed, but safety risks and operational efficiency deteriorate due to unexpected device movements and narrow spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system performs self-alignment and self-coupling through automated control. The air mobility device and charger automatically adjust their positions and orientations to achieve proper coupling without manual intervention, enabling the system to service itself during the charging operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors coupling parameters (position, orientation, connection status) and provides feedback to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit automatically adjusts the charging operation to maintain safe and stable power transfer, resolving the contradiction between automated reliability and operational ease.
2Productivity
If quick charging is implemented in confined spaces, then charging speed improves, but stability and safety deteriorate due to potential device movements
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time conditions. The control unit modifies charging parameters and coupling maintenance strategies according to the device's movement state, enabling both quick charging and stability through adaptive control rather than fixed operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time monitoring of coupling parameters provides feedback that enables the system to maintain stability during quick charging. The control unit responds to feedback signals by adjusting power transfer rates and coupling forces, ensuring safety is not compromised by high-speed charging operations.
3Reliability
If automated coupling control is implemented, then charging safety improves, but system complexity increases due to additional sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it manages coupling alignment, monitors coupling parameters, controls power transfer, and responds to safety conditions. By making the control unit universal and multi-functional, the system achieves high reliability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the physical coupling mechanism and the power transfer system. It processes sensor data and coordinates actions between the charger and air mobility device, simplifying the overall control architecture while maintaining safety through centralized intelligent control.
4Reliability
If continuous monitoring of coupling parameters is performed, then power transfer stability improves, but energy consumption and system complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs monitoring and control actions periodically rather than continuously. The control unit checks coupling parameters at regular intervals and adjusts operations accordingly, maintaining power transfer stability while reducing energy consumption compared to uninterrupted continuous monitoring.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein method and apparatus for charging control of air mobility device. The method includes: controlling, by one or more processors, an air mobility device and a charger to make a coupling, between a connector of the charger and a port of the air mobility device, for power transfer from the charger to the air mobility device; determining, based on a coupling parameter of the coupling between the connector and the port not satisfying a threshold condition, whether the air mobility device is stationary within a designated zone; and controlling, based on the air mobility device stopping outside the designated zone, the air mobility device and the charger to release the coupling between the port and the connector.