Drone Landing Stand with Eddy-Current Braking for Vertical Stacking

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing demand for drones has led to a shortage of space for accommodation, resulting in a higher probability of collisions among multiple drones, necessitating a system that prevents collisions and facilitates safe takeoff, landing, and transportation while allowing wireless charging.

Innovation Solution

A drone takeoff and landing system that generates an eddy current or magnetic field between a drone and a landing stand using a through-hole and extension member, with electromagnets to control takeoff and landing speeds and enable wireless charging, and includes a modular landing module for existing drones without through-holes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple drones are accommodated in limited space, then space utilization is improved, but collision probability among drones increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of drones accommodatedVSAvoidcollision prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements vertical stacking of multiple drones on a single landing stand, with each drone positioned at different heights along extension members. This nesting arrangement in the vertical dimension allows multiple drones to occupy the same horizontal footprint without colliding, directly resolving the contradiction between space utilization and collision prevention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from horizontal drone placement to vertical stacking by introducing the height dimension. Extension members protrude vertically from the landing stand surface, enabling drones to be positioned at different elevations (e.g., first drone at higher position, second drone at lower position), thereby accommodating multiple drones in limited horizontal space while preventing collisions through vertical separation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If drones are stacked vertically on landing stand, then space utilization is improved, but control of takeoff and landing speed becomes necessary to prevent collision

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of drones stackedVSAvoidspeed control mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical speed control mechanisms with electromagnetic braking. Electromagnetic brakes are applied to the extension members to control the descent speed of drones during landing and the upward movement during takeoff. This substitution provides precise, collision-free speed control without complex mechanical linkages, enabling vertical stacking while maintaining simple system architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system controls takeoff and landing speeds by adjusting electromagnetic brake parameters. By varying the braking force applied to extension members, the system precisely controls the velocity of drones during vertical movement, ensuring safe separation between stacked drones and preventing collisions while accommodating multiple drones on the landing stand

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing drones without through-holes are to be accommodated, then adaptability is improved, but the eddy current generation mechanism cannot be directly applied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with existing dronesVSAvoidmodification requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the eddy current generation function into a distinct landing module that can be attached to existing drones. This module includes the necessary magnetic components and works with the extension members on the landing stand. By segmenting the system this way, existing drones without through-holes can be accommodated through simple module attachment rather than requiring structural modifications to the drone body

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The landing module acts as an intermediary between existing drones and the electromagnetic braking/eddy current system. This module interfaces with the extension members on the landing stand and provides the necessary magnetic interaction surface, enabling eddy current generation and speed control for drones that originally lacked through-holes or magnetic interaction features

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Prevents collisions among drones, allows safe stacking and transportation, adjusts takeoff and landing speeds, and enables wireless charging, even when power is blocked, without affecting existing drone designs.

Implementation Method 1

When the extension member of the landing stand passes through the through-hole of the drone, an eddy current may be generated between the through-hole and the extension member, and magnetic braking may occur in the drone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEddy current: Eddy Currents

Implementation Method 2

A first electromagnet is disposed in the through-hole, and a second electromagnet is disposed in the extension member. A magnetic field of the first electromagnet and the second electromagnet is controlled to control a takeoff or landing speed of the drone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 3

A magnetic field of the first electromagnet and the second electromagnet is controlled to control a takeoff or landing speed of the drone or wirelessly charge the drone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3556939B1Drone takeoff and landing system
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 KOREA AEROSPACE RES INST
  • EP3556939B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3556939B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3556939B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A drone takeoff and landing system according to an embodiment comprises: a drone including a through-hole; and a landing pad including an extension member which can pass through the through-hole, wherein, when the extension member of the landing pad passes through the through-hole of the drone, an eddy current may occur between the through-hole and the extension member to cause magnetic braking of the drone.