Induction Charging Unit for Aircraft Power Line Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned flying devices are limited by their battery power, requiring frequent returns to recharge, which restricts their flight time and radius, and existing wireless charging systems are costly and inconvenient to install, with induction-based power harvesting from power lines being hindered by magnetic forces.
Innovation Solution
An electrically powered aircraft with a power line charging unit using a current transformer and magnetic core to generate electrical power through induction, allowing remote engagement and disengagement with power lines for recharging, and a navigation system to determine optimal charging routes and power line locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If induction-based power harvesting is used to extend flight time and range, then the flight duration and operational radius are improved, but magnetic forces generated by the EM field may inhibit the operation of openable coils or other induction-based electrical power generation devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by using a magnetic field opposer to generate an opposing magnetic force that counteracts the magnetic force generated by the power line EM field. This opposing force is applied in advance to facilitate the opening and closing of the split core charging unit, preventing the harmful magnetic force from inhibiting device operation during power harvesting
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful magnetic force generated by the power line EM field into a beneficial force by using the magnetic field opposer to create an opposing magnetic force. This opposing force is utilized to actively facilitate the opening and closing operations of the charging unit, transforming the harmful magnetic interference into a useful mechanical assistance for device operation
2Use of energy by moving object
If wireless charging stations are installed to enable charging during flight, then power availability is improved, but the cost for installing additional wireless stations and restricting available routes occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling the aircraft to harvest power from existing power lines that are already present along flight routes. This approach allows the system to use pre-existing infrastructure for multiple purposes (power transmission and wireless power transfer) without requiring dedicated charging stations, thereby reducing system complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the aircraft to autonomously charge itself during flight by harvesting power from existing power lines through induction. The aircraft navigates to positions where it can engage with power lines and harvest power independently, without requiring external charging infrastructure or human intervention to set up charging stations
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
Enables extended flight times and increased range without the need for external charging infrastructure, reducing costs and mechanical complexity by using existing power lines for continuous charging during flight.
Implementation Method 1
power line charging unit using a current transformer and magnetic core to generate electrical power through induction
Implementation Method 2
power line charging unit using a current transformer and magnetic core to generate electrical power through induction
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an electrically powered aircraft comprising: a propulsion system; a navigation control system operatively coupled to said propulsion system to navigate the aircraft to a desired location; a rechargeable electrical power storage to power the aircraft during operation; and a power line charging unit comprising a current transformer operatively coupled to said rechargeable electrical power storage and remotely operable to engage a power line in flight to recharge said rechargeable electrical power storage and remotely disengage said power line once recharged.