Airborne Induction Charging System for Sensor Endurance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current geophysical surveys in remote and inaccessible regions require numerous sensors deployed by unmanned airborne vehicles, which face limitations in flying endurance and sensor autonomy, leading to delays and energy consumption issues, affecting the quality and duration of subsurface imaging for oil and gas exploration.
Innovation Solution
An airborne platform equipped with an electrical charging system featuring an induction coil for remotely charging batteries of sensors and vehicles, allowing for extended operation and faster deployment by maintaining sensors and vehicles in a charged state over large, hard-to-reach areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If unmanned airborne vehicles are used to deploy sensors in remote regions, then the ability to access difficult terrain is improved, but the flying endurance is limited and requires frequent returns to base camp for battery recharging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the battery charging function from the base camp and relocates it to an airborne platform that follows the unmanned vehicles in flight. This allows sensors to be recharged mid-mission without returning to base, directly resolving the endurance limitation while preserving the ability to access remote terrain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary airborne platform that acts as a mobile charging station between the base camp and the sensors. This intermediary carries induction coils to wirelessly recharge sensor batteries in mid-air, eliminating the need for sensors to return to base and extending operational duration.
2Measurement precision
If numerous sensors are deployed to obtain high quality subsurface images, then the measurement precision is improved, but the time required to deploy all sensors increases due to limited vehicle endurance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous deployment of sensors by providing continuous recharging capability. Multiple unmanned vehicles can deploy sensors in sequence without waiting for battery recharging, as the airborne platform continuously recharges sensors as they are retrieved. This maintains high deployment rates while allowing more sensors to be deployed for improved image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary recharging action by having the airborne platform charge sensor batteries before they are needed for the next deployment cycle. Sensors are recharged in advance during mid-air operations, so they are ready for immediate redeployment without delaying the overall survey timeline.
3Reliability
If sensors remain in standby state or communicate with receivers, then data collection capability is maintained, but energy is consumed from their own batteries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling sensors to recharge themselves mid-air through the airborne platform's induction coils. Sensors maintain their data collection capability while automatically recharging their own batteries during flight operations, eliminating the need to return to base for power and reducing overall energy consumption from external sources.
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 solution accelerates the setup of seismic surveys and enhances the autonomy of geophysical apparatus, reducing delays and energy consumption, thereby improving the quality and duration of subsurface imaging in challenging terrains.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical charging system comprising at least one induction coil intended to remotely charge at least one battery of at least one apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an airborne platform comprising a main body configured for flying over a region of interest and an electrical charging system fixed to the main body and located outside of the main body. The electrical charging system comprising at least one induction coil intended to remotely charge at least one battery of at least one apparatus.