Alternating Power Supply Panels for Automatic UAV Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging technologies for apparatuses like aircraft and robots require precise positioning of plugs and sockets, leading to high costs and complex algorithms, making automatic charging challenging.
Innovation Solution
A charging system with a power supply device featuring exposed, alternately arranged anode and cathode power supply panels and charging contacts, along with a controller to identify and control power distribution, allowing for automatic charging without precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional plug and socket charging is used, then stable charging can be achieved, but precise positioning is required which increases cost and algorithm complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is segmented into multiple independent power supply panels (positive and negative) arranged in an array, rather than using a single plug-socket interface. This segmentation allows the charging device to make contact with multiple panels simultaneously, enabling automatic charging without precise positioning requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging device automatically identifies and contacts the power supply panels through its multiple charging contacts, eliminating the need for external positioning control systems. The physical arrangement of alternately positioned positive and negative panels enables the charging device to self-align and establish electrical contact during approach.
2Reliability
If precise positioning of plug and socket is implemented, then charging reliability improves, but calculating power and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical positioning system (requiring sensors, processors, and control algorithms) with a passive mechanical arrangement of alternately positioned power supply panels. The charging device's multiple contacts naturally align with the panel arrangement, substituting computational energy consumption with a simple mechanical geometry-based solution.
3Ease of operation
If multiple power supply panels are used for automatic charging, then positioning requirements are reduced, but electrical insulation between panels becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
Each power supply panel is designed with localized electrical insulation properties, and the insulating material is strategically placed between adjacent positive and negative panels. This local quality approach ensures electrical isolation at each interface while maintaining the overall simplicity of the multi-panel structure.
4Measurement precision
If charging contacts are made smaller to improve precision, then contact accuracy improves, but contact reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple charging contacts into a single charging device structure, where several contacts are arranged to simultaneously touch multiple power supply panels. This combination approach ensures that even if individual contacts are small, the overall electrical connection remains reliable due to the parallel contact paths established by multiple simultaneous connections.
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 quick and efficient charging of apparatuses like UAVs and robots at a low cost, reducing the complexity of controlling them and improving charging efficiency through good electrical contact.
Implementation Method 1
at least two charging contacts each being connected to a charging anode and a charging cathode of the charging circuit respectively through a diode
Implementation Method 2
each of the charging contacts further includes a fixed portion and an elastic portion, one end of the elastic portion being connected with the fixed portion, and another end of the elastic portion being connected with the contact portion
Data Source
AI summary
A charging system includes a power supply device and a charging device. The power supply device includes a power supply and at least two exposed power supply panels connected to the power supply. The at least two power supply panels are electrically insulated from each other and include at least one anode power supply panel connected to an anode of the power supply and at least one cathode power supply panel connected to a cathode of the power supply. The at least one anode power supply panel and the at least one cathode power supply panel are alternately arranged. The charging device includes a charging circuit and at least two charging contacts each being connected to a charging anode and a charging cathode of the charging circuit respectively through a diode. The charging device is configured to contact the power supply panels through the charging contacts.