Indoor Drone Docking via Magnetic Coupling and Battery Swapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Indoor autonomous drones face limitations due to battery depletion, requiring human intervention for charging, which can result in the drone falling if it does not safely land or dock, and have limited flight time due to battery constraints.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring system with a drone dock that allows the drone to charge and return autonomously, featuring a magnetic coupling mechanism and a mechanical release mechanism, enabling the drone to continue generating sensor data while charging and ensuring safe landing by canceling magnetic forces for disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the drone operates autonomously indoors with limited battery capacity, then it can maintain flight and perform surveillance, but the flight time is limited and the drone requires human intervention for charging
Solution Approach 1:
The drone automatically returns to its dock and performs battery swapping without human intervention. The system enables the drone to service itself by autonomously navigating back to the dock, docking, and having its battery replaced, thus extending operational duration while maintaining autonomy.
Solution Approach 2:
A spare battery is pre-positioned at the dock before the drone needs charging. This preliminary preparation of a replacement battery enables the quick swap operation, minimizing downtime and extending the effective flight time without requiring human intervention during the charging process.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the drone returns to the dock for charging, then it can extend operational time, but it may fall to the ground if it does not safely land or dock
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical landing gear and landing pad systems with a magnetic coupling mechanism. The drone uses magnetic attraction to the dock for secure attachment during battery swapping, eliminating the need for complex mechanical landing systems and improving reliability by preventing drops during the docking process.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic coupling mechanism provides a cushioning effect during the docking process. The magnetic force gradually engages as the drone approaches the dock, providing a soft, controlled attachment that prevents impact damage and ensures safe docking without requiring complex mechanical shock absorption systems.
3Extent of automation
If the drone uses magnetic coupling to the dock, then it can enable autonomous docking and battery swapping, but the magnetic force must be canceled for safe disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic coupling system uses periodic or alternating magnetic fields to control engagement and disengagement. By periodically reversing or modulating the magnetic field, the system can securely hold the drone during docking and then easily release it when needed, simplifying the control mechanism compared to mechanical locking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls magnetic coupling by changing the magnetic field parameters (strength, polarity) rather than using mechanical adjustments. By varying the electrical current to the electromagnet, the system can smoothly transition between strong coupling for secure docking and zero coupling for easy release, reducing mechanical complexity.
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
The system allows continuous surveillance and data generation even when the drone is charging, extending its operational time and ensuring safe landing and charging without human intervention, enhancing the autonomy and reliability of indoor drone operations.
Implementation Method 1
The drone dock includes a permanent magnet and an electromagnet that is configured to cancel a magnetic force of the permanent magnet based on the electromagnet receiving electric current.
Implementation Method 2
The drone dock includes a permanent magnet and an electromagnet that is configured to cancel a magnetic force of the permanent magnet
Implementation Method 3
The drone includes a mechanical release mechanism that is configured to release the drone from the permanent magnet.
Data Source
AI summary
A monitoring system that is configured to monitor a property is disclosed. In one aspect, the monitoring system includes one or more sensors that are located throughout the property and that are configured to generate sensor data. The monitoring system further includes a drone that is configured to move throughout the property and generate additional sensor data. The monitoring system further includes a drone dock that is configured to receive the drone, wherein the drone is configured to continue generating the additional sensor data while the drone dock is receiving the drone. The monitoring system further includes a monitor control unit that is configured to receive the sensor data and the additional sensor data, analyze the sensor data and the additional sensor data, determine a status of the property, and provide, for output, data indicating the status of the property.