In-Flight Contact Charging for Drones Without Wireless Energy Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drone charging solutions are inefficient and costly, requiring drones to land or use wasteful wireless charging methods, which are impractical for long-range operations due to FAA regulations and energy wastage.
Innovation Solution
An in-flight contact charging system that allows drones to rapidly recharge by hovering near a base station with a lightweight charging receiver, using a charging contact and recharging controller to transfer power directly to the drone, avoiding energy waste and regulatory constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless inductive charging is used to charge drones in flight, then charging can occur without landing, but energy waste increases significantly and system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wireless electromagnetic induction with a mechanical contact-based charging system. A conductive probe extends from the drone to physically contact a charging electrode, enabling direct electrical connection. This mechanical approach eliminates the 10x energy waste of wireless systems while maintaining the ability to charge in-flight without landing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a conductive probe as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between the drone's power receiver and the charging electrode. This probe enables direct electrical contact while allowing the drone to maintain hover position, solving both the energy efficiency and operational continuity requirements.
2Ease of operation
If wireless inductive charging is used to charge drones in flight, then charging can occur without landing, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex wireless electromagnetic induction systems with simple mechanical contact components. The charging system uses basic conductive probes and electrodes rather than expensive electromagnetic fields, dramatically reducing system complexity and cost while enabling in-flight charging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive conductive probes and electrical contacts instead of expensive wireless charging infrastructure. These basic electrical components are far cheaper to manufacture and deploy than the rare earth magnets and electromagnetic systems required for wireless charging.
3Use of energy by moving object
If drones land for charging, then charging can occur, but FAA regulations require pre-flight checks that extend operational time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static landing-charging model into a dynamic in-flight charging process. The drone maintains its hover position while receiving power through a moving conductive probe, eliminating the need to land and perform time-consuming pre-flight checks, thus continuously maintaining operational readiness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous operational action by allowing drones to charge without landing. The in-flight charging system maintains the drone in a ready-to-fly state throughout the charging process, eliminating interruptions and extending effective operational time between battery replacements.
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 extended flight times and ranges without landing, reduces energy wastage, and lowers operational costs by allowing drones to stay airborne during charging, thus avoiding FAA pre-flight checks and minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
transmit electricity to the at least one charging contact
Data Source
AI summary
An in-flight contact charging system includes a charging contact, a power receiver, and a recharging controller connected to the charging contact. The charging contact is mounted on a support. The power receiver is mounted on an aerial vehicle containing an electrical load. The power receiver connects to the electrical load. The recharging controller can detect contact between the charging contact and the power receiver; transmit electricity to the charging contact; detect a spike in battery impedance; and discontinue transmission of electricity to the charging contact. The system enables a drone to rapidly recharge its battery while in flight by making brief contact between the charging contact and the power receiver. This system keeps the drone airborne, does not waste energy, and is comparatively cheap to build and maintain.