Drone Resupply Basin With Electromagnetic Locking for Rapid Refills
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drone management systems face challenges in efficiently resupplying service material to drones without requiring long times and precise landing, which can lead to breakage, malfunctions, and queue formation due to complex positioning requirements.
Innovation Solution
A drone management system with a logistic support unit featuring a resupply area that includes a basin element with converging walls and locking means, allowing containers to be positioned automatically for rapid resupply without landing, using electromagnets for secure locking and dispensing means to fill both service material and fuel compartments simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If precise landing procedures are used to ensure correct container positioning for resupply, then container positioning accuracy is improved, but the complexity of the landing procedure and time required are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed with self-aligning features including guide rails and positioning elements that automatically orient and position the container correctly during the landing process. The container's own structure facilitates its positioning rather than requiring complex external control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical precision landing control systems with a simplified approach using guide rails and mechanical positioning elements at the landing zone. The physical infrastructure provides the positioning function that would otherwise require complex active control
2Manufacturing precision
If precise landing procedures are used to ensure correct container positioning for resupply, then container positioning accuracy is improved, but the time required for resupply is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rails and positioning elements are pre-installed at the landing zone to facilitate automatic container alignment. The infrastructure is prepared in advance to guide containers into the correct position during landing, eliminating the need for time-consuming active positioning maneuvers
Solution Approach 2:
The container automatically positions itself using the guide rails and positioning elements during the landing process, without requiring time-consuming active control interventions
3Ease of operation
If drones land for container resupply, then container replacement and refilling can be performed, but the risk of drone breakage and platform malfunction due to landing errors is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rails and positioning elements act as protective features that prevent hard impacts and misalignment damage during landing. The infrastructure provides a cushioning effect that absorbs landing errors before they can cause damage to the drone or platform
Solution Approach 2:
The container's own structure with integrated positioning elements facilitates safe automatic positioning, reducing reliance on complex active control systems that could fail
4Productivity
If multiple drones are managed simultaneously for firefighting operations, then fire suppression coverage is improved, but queue formation and resupply delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
Each container automatically positions itself using the guide rails and positioning elements during landing, enabling rapid sequential resupply of multiple drones without requiring complex coordination or creating queues
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rails and positioning infrastructure are pre-installed to facilitate rapid automatic container positioning, enabling multiple drones to be resupplied in quick succession without forming queues
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 fast and automated resupply of drones without the need for precise landing, reducing downtime and queue formation, while optimizing flight autonomy by simultaneously refilling both service material and fuel compartments.
Implementation Method 1
locking means, in particular electromagnets (45), for locking the container (3) in position
Data Source
AI summary
Drone management system comprising at least one drone (1) and a logistic support unit (2) of said drone (1). Said drone (1) comprising at least one container (3) adapted to contain service material, which container (3) comprises at least one inlet mouth (34 35) of said service material and expulsion means (35) of said service material. Said logistic support unit (2) comprises a resupply area of said container (3), which resupply area comprises resupply means (43, 44, 45) of said container. Said resupply means comprise position locking means (45) of said container (3), dispensing means communicating with a tank and a dispensing mouth (43, 44) adapted to communicate with said inlet mouth (34, 35), said resupply area comprising a basin element (4), the walls (41) of which converge towards said resupply means.