Drone Charging Station with Extendable Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Passenger drones require efficient and quick recharging systems to enable longer journeys, as existing battery technology limits their range and charging time, especially in scenarios like rush hour traffic and environmental considerations.
Innovation Solution
A charging system comprising a base structure connected to a power grid, with a computerized controller that communicates with drones to initiate, control, and stop charging, using extendable connectors such as articulated cables or induction charging interfaces, allowing drones to charge while in motion or at designated stations, and managing multiple drones simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If battery technology is improved to store more energy, then the range of drones is increased, but the size and weight of batteries increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heavy battery component from the drone system by implementing external charging infrastructure. Instead of carrying all necessary energy in the drone, the system uses stationary charging stations with large capacity batteries on the ground, allowing drones to quickly recharge without carrying excessive battery weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces charging stations as intermediary components between the power grid and drones. These stations act as mediators that store energy in large stationary batteries and transfer it to drones as needed, eliminating the need for drones to carry all their energy requirements.
2Loss of time
If charging time is reduced to enable longer journeys, then travel efficiency is improved, but the complexity of charging systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical plug-and-play charging with automated systems. Drones can charge while hovering or moving slowly through charging zones, eliminating the need for precise manual docking. The system uses automated detection, alignment, and connection mechanisms that reduce charging time while managing complexity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary positioning and alignment actions before actual charging begins. Drones are guided to charging stations and positioned correctly in advance, so that when charging starts, everything is already optimized for rapid energy transfer, reducing overall charging time.
3Productivity
If multiple drones are serviced simultaneously, then productivity is increased, but the complexity of managing multiple connectors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the charging system into multiple independent charging bays or stations, each capable of servicing one or more drones simultaneously. This modular approach allows the system to handle multiple drones without requiring a single complex connector management system, as each segment operates semi-independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs charging stations with universal interfaces that can accommodate different drone types and battery configurations. A single charging station can service multiple drones with different requirements, reducing the need for specialized connectors for each drone model and simplifying overall system management.
4Ease of operation
If automated control is implemented to manage charging, then ease of operation is improved, but the complexity of control systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service charging where drones autonomously navigate to charging stations, self-align, and initiate charging sequences without human intervention. The system automatically monitors battery levels, manages power distribution, and handles disconnection when charging is complete, making operation simple while the background control system handles complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates continuous feedback loops between drones and charging stations. Drones communicate their battery status, position, and charging requirements, and the control system responds by adjusting power delivery, managing multiple drones in queue, and coordinating connector operations, thereby simplifying user interaction while managing system complexity through automated feedback mechanisms.
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 efficient and automated charging of drones, optimizing charging time and range, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and improving travel efficiency by allowing drones to reach destinations without intermediate stops, while also managing multiple drones and sharing data between charging stations.
Implementation Method 1
an extendable rod including an induction charging interface
Data Source
AI summary
A charging system for drones has a base structure connected to a power grid, a connector extendable from the base structure and ending in a charging interface compatible with a charging port of a drone, and a computerized controller at the base structure enabled to communicate with a drone and to initiate, control and stop charging power. As a drone approaches the charging-system, the controller directs the drone into position for charging, manages connection of the charging interface to the charging port of the drone, initiates charging power, monitors progress of charging, and upon completion of charging, disconnects the charging interface from the charging port of the drone.