Drone Docking Device Using Magnetic Studs and Scissor Lift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for drone stowage and deployment on vehicles lack automation, requiring manual intervention and relying on power supplies for securing and releasing drones, which compromises safety and operational independence.
Innovation Solution
A docking device with a support system using scissor-mounted connecting rods and electric actuators to move the support between positions, combined with magnetic studs made of neodymium alloy for secure drone attachment and detachment, enabling automatic stowage and deployment without manual intervention or power supply dependency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vacuum or magnetic securing means are used to secure the drone on the platform, then the drone can be securely held, but a power supply is required to maintain the securing force and a control device is needed to cut off power for release
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic securing system (vacuum or magnetic means requiring power) with a mechanical magnetic stud system. The magnetic studs are permanently magnetized and mechanically integrated into the platform structure, providing passive securing without requiring electrical power. Release is achieved through mechanical action (lifting the drone) rather than electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic securing system is designed to be self-maintaining through the permanent magnetization of the studs. The system does not require external power input to maintain the securing force, and the drone's own weight and positioning facilitate the release process without requiring active control intervention.
2Ease of operation
If manual intervention is required for stowage and deployment operations, then personnel can directly control the drone, but safety is compromised and operational independence is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The docking device is designed to perform stowage and deployment operations autonomously. The platform automatically raises and lowers the drone using the scissor mechanism and electric actuator, and the magnetic studs automatically secure and release the drone without requiring personnel to physically handle or control the drone during these operations.
3Extent of automation
If the support is raised high enough for drone takeoff, then the drone can deploy independently, but the securing force from magnetic studs must be completely overcome
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by raising the support to a predetermined height where the magnetic securing force naturally becomes insufficient to hold the drone. This preliminary elevation action prepares the system for automatic release without requiring additional active release 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
Ensures safe, automated stowage and deployment of drones, maintaining secure attachment even in power outages, and allows for independent operation without human intervention, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one magnetic stud integral with the base of the elevation means, stud intended to cooperate with a magnetic securing element secured to a drone to ensure the securing of the latter in the low position
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a drone (10) mounting device intended to be mounted on a vehicle (100), characterized in that the mounting device (1) comprises: a support (12) for supporting a drone (10), a lifting means (20) for the support (12) intended to move the support (12) between a lowered position located near a base of the lifting means (20) and a raised position, and at least one magnetic pad attached to the base of the lifting means (20), the magnetic pad intended to cooperate with a magnetic anchoring element (22) attached to a drone to secure the drone in the lowered position. The invention also relates to a vehicle associated with such a device.