Distributed UAV Battery Layout to Reduce Controller EMI
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery-powered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) face issues with limited flight time, significant space occupation by batteries, and electromagnetic interference from batteries to the central controller, leading to potential crashes during flight.
Innovation Solution
The design features a battery-powered UAV with distributed battery assemblies located in proximity to the motors and ESC modules, reducing electromagnetic interference by keeping the batteries away from the central controller, and incorporating metal-clad high-energy-density batteries for improved power efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If batteries are arranged near the central controller for ease of power distribution, then power delivery is simplified, but electromagnetic interference to the central controller increases causing potential crashes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery system into multiple distributed battery assemblies, each located in proximity to specific high-power components (motors, ESC modules) rather than consolidating all batteries near the central controller. This segmentation allows power distribution to be localized, reducing electromagnetic interference exposure to the central controller while maintaining ease of power delivery to power-hungry components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces power distribution boards and electrical wiring harnesses as intermediary elements between the distributed battery assemblies and the central controller. These intermediaries manage power flow efficiently while maintaining adequate physical separation between the batteries and the central controller, thus reducing electromagnetic interference through controlled impedance and shielding pathways.
2Duration of action of moving object
If high discharge rate batteries are used to increase power output, then flight time is extended, but magnetic interference to the magnetometer increases causing navigation failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the battery system into multiple distributed assemblies positioned away from the magnetometer location. This spatial segmentation allows high discharge rate batteries to provide extended flight time while their distributed arrangement reduces concentrated magnetic field intensity at the magnetometer, preventing navigation failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by positioning battery assemblies with different characteristics in different locations. High discharge rate batteries are placed away from the magnetometer to minimize magnetic interference in the navigation-sensitive zone, while still providing adequate power output for flight duration extension.
3Quantity of substance
If metal-clad batteries are used to increase energy density, then power capacity is improved, but magnetic interference to the central controller increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the total energy storage requirement into multiple metal-clad battery assemblies distributed throughout the UAV structure. This segmentation maintains high overall energy capacity while reducing the magnetic field strength at any single location, particularly near the central controller, thereby minimizing interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a centralized battery arrangement (single location near controller) to a distributed three-dimensional arrangement of battery assemblies throughout the UAV body. This dimensional change in spatial configuration allows metal-clad batteries to provide high energy density benefits while their distributed positions reduce magnetic interference exposure to the central controller.
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
This configuration enhances flight time, reduces structural weight, minimizes electromagnetic interference, and ensures stable operation by distributing battery power and balancing consumption rates, thereby improving the overall performance and reliability of the UAV.
Implementation Method 1
batteries at high discharge rates may cause magnetic interference to magnetometer which is a component often in or used by the central controller
Data Source
AI summary
A battery-powered aerial vehicle has a central controller, one or more propelling modules, and one or more battery assemblies for powering at least the one or more propelling modules. The battery assemblies are at a distance away from the central controller for reducing electromagnetic interference to the central controller. In some embodiments, the aerial vehicle is a fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) having a central controller, a plurality of rotor units, and one or more battery assemblies. The central controller is in a center unit and the propelling modules are in respective rotor units. Each battery assembly is in a rotor unit in proximity with the propelling module thereof. In some embodiments, the central controller also has a battery-power balancing circuit for balancing the power consumption rates of the one or more battery assemblies.