Drone Battery Assembly with Swing Arm Buckling Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current drone battery replacement methods require manual intervention, which reduces operational efficiency and increases the complexity of drone operations, especially in situations where precise landing and positioning are necessary.
Innovation Solution
A battery assembly with swing arms and a system for automatic battery replacement, where the battery is secured using hooks and bumps that rotate to buckle the battery in place, and a base with a moving mechanism that allows the drone to pass through a guiding hole to release and install batteries automatically, eliminating the need for manual operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual battery replacement is used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but operational efficiency and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The battery replacement system performs automatic battery installation and removal without human intervention. The drone autonomously positions itself on the base, and the swing arms automatically buckle and release the battery through mechanical interactions, enabling self-service battery replacement that dramatically improves productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The swing arms are designed as dynamic components that can rotate between different positions. During battery installation, the swing arms rotate to buckle the battery; during removal, they rotate to release it. This dynamic behavior allows the same mechanical structure to perform multiple functions automatically, improving productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity
2Loss of time
If manual battery replacement is used, then device complexity is low, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drone is equipped with a battery assembly that is pre-configured with buckling features and electrical connectors. The base is pre-equipped with corresponding receiving structures and moving mechanisms. When the drone lands, the battery replacement action occurs immediately without requiring manual preparation or intervention, significantly reducing battery replacement time
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of removing and inserting batteries is replaced by an automated mechanical system involving swing arms with bumps and hooks that automatically buckle and release the battery. This mechanical substitution eliminates the time-consuming manual handling process while the automated mechanism manages the complexity
3Ease of operation
If precise landing positioning is required for manual battery replacement, then ease of operation decreases, but reliability of manual replacement improves
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic battery replacement system eliminates the need for precise manual positioning during battery changes. The drone simply needs to land on the base platform, and the automated swing arm mechanism handles the battery buckling and release operations, greatly easing the operational requirements while maintaining reliability through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The base acts as an intermediary platform between the drone and the battery replacement process. It provides the guiding hole for positioning, supports the moving mechanism for tray operation, and houses the bump that interacts with the swing arms. This intermediary structure absorbs the complexity of precise positioning and mechanical coordination, making the operation simpler while ensuring reliable battery replacement
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 automatic and efficient battery replacement and installation, enhancing operational convenience by automating the process, reducing the need for precise drone positioning during landing, and allowing drones to operate continuously without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
the bumps are compressed by the battery to make the swing arms respectively rotate relative to the chassis
Implementation Method 2
the bumps are compressed by the battery to make the swing arms respectively rotate relative to the chassis, such that the hooks move close to each other and the battery is buckled and fixed in the space
Implementation Method 3
the battery assembly further includes a plurality of elastic elements. The elastic elements are respectively connected with the chassis and the corresponding swing arm
Data Source
AI summary
A battery assembly is configured to be installed on a drone. The battery assembly includes a battery, a chassis and some of swing arms. The chassis has a space within and is configured to accommodate the battery. The swing arms are pivotally connected with the chassis respectively and are located in the space. Each of the swing arms has a hook and a bump. The hooks at least partially face to each other. The bumps at least partially face to each other. When the battery is located in the space, the bumps are compressed by the battery to make the swing arms respectively rotate relative to the chassis, such that the hooks move close to each other and the battery is buckled and fixed in the space. At least one electrical connector located on the hooks contacts a conductor located on a side of the battery.