Extendable Landing Pad for Aerial Vehicle Ground Stations
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a mobile ground station that can provide landing pads and charging functionality for vertical takeoff aerial vehicles, such as multicoptors and rocket-propelled vehicles, to extend their operational range.
Innovation Solution
A portable ground station with a protective casing, an extendable landing pad, and a charging mechanism, which includes a power supply and centering mechanism, allowing the aerial vehicle to transition between closed and open configurations for safe landing and charging, and can be powered by solar panels, wind turbines, or other energy sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile ground station is designed to provide landing pads and charging functionality for aerial vehicles, then the operational range of aerial vehicles is extended, but the device complexity increases due to multiple functional components
Solution Approach 1:
The ground station is divided into separate functional modules: a protective casing housing charging mechanisms, an extendable landing pad system, and optional additional modules. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system versatility and manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground station is designed as a multi-functional platform that can provide landing, charging, and protective functions for various types of aerial vehicles. The universal design enables a single ground station to serve multiple purposes and accommodate different vehicle types, extending operational range without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Ease of operation
If an extendable landing pad is designed to transition between closed and open configurations, then the ease of operation is improved for vehicle deployment, but the device complexity increases due to mechanical mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The landing pad is designed with dynamic characteristics, transitioning between closed and open configurations as needed. This dynamic design allows the landing pad to adapt its state based on operational requirements, improving ease of operation while the modular mechanical mechanisms keep complexity manageable through standardized components.
3Reliability
If a protective casing is designed to contain the landing pad when retracted, then the reliability is improved for safe operation, but the volume of the stationary object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The landing pad is nested within the protective casing when in the retracted state, with the casing serving as a housing that contains the extendable components. This nesting arrangement protects the landing pad mechanisms while minimizing the overall volume required for storage and transport, though the casing volume is increased to accommodate the retracted components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power supply options are integrated into the charging mechanism, then the adaptability is improved for different environments, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging mechanism is designed with universal power supply capabilities, integrating multiple power source options including solar panels, wind turbines, and traditional power sources. This multi-functional power system allows the ground station to adapt to different environmental conditions and operational requirements while using standardized charging interfaces to manage 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 ground station enables the extension of aerial vehicle range by providing a secure landing and charging solution, allowing continuous operation with minimal downtime, and can be easily deployed and expanded with additional modules for enhanced functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the power supply comprises photovoltaic panels
Implementation Method 2
the power supply comprises wind turbines
Implementation Method 3
the power supply comprises fuel cells
Implementation Method 4
the power supply comprises electrochemical cells
Implementation Method 5
the power supply comprises piezoelectric units
Data Source
AI summary
A ground station for aerial vehicles including a protective casing, at least one charging mechanism, and an extendable landing pad. The extended landing pad is operable to transition between a closed configuration having dimensions suitable to be contained within said protective casing, and an open configuration having dimensions suitable to land the aerial vehicle.