Inductive UAV Landing Apparatus for Power Line Recharging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) face limited operational time due to battery capacity constraints, requiring frequent recharging, which restricts their range and deployment flexibility since they need to return to charging stations or home bases, limiting their use in areas without charging infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
Equipping UAVs with an inductive landing apparatus that allows them to recharge using conventional overhead power lines by aligning and coupling inductive clamps with the power lines to inductively charge their batteries, enabling extended operation time and range without the need for dedicated charging stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If UAVs use conventional battery recharging by returning to charging stations, then battery capacity constraints are managed, but operational range and deployment flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV autonomously recharges itself by flying to overhead power lines and using inductive clamps to transfer power from the power lines to its battery, eliminating the need for external charging stations or human intervention. This self-service capability allows the UAV to extend its operational time without sacrificing deployment flexibility.
2Use of energy by moving object
If UAVs return to home base for charging, then battery capacity is replenished, but operational range is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of charging in a fixed location (0D) or returning to a base (1D constraint), the UAV charges by flying along overhead power lines (1D freedom), effectively adding a dimensional aspect to charging mobility. This allows the UAV to recharge anywhere along the power line network, dramatically extending its operational range.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated charging stations are deployed, then UAVs can recharge remotely, but infrastructure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes existing overhead power lines serve a dual function: their original purpose of delivering electrical power to buildings, and a new function of serving as charging infrastructure for UAVs. This universality eliminates the need for dedicated charging stations, reducing infrastructure complexity while maintaining remote charging capability.
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
This solution extends the operational range and time of UAVs by allowing them to recharge anywhere with accessible power lines, enhancing their deployment flexibility and operational capability in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
an inductive circuit electrically coupled to the first and second inductive clamps... inductively couple the first and second inductive clamps to the overhead power line
Data Source
AI summary
An inductive landing apparatus for an unmanned aerial vehicle and methods of operation. One method includes locating, with a flight controller, an overhead power line. The method includes controlling a flight system communicatively coupled to the flight controller to bring the unmanned aerial vehicle in proximity to the overhead power line. The method includes controlling the flight system to position the unmanned aerial vehicle such that a first inductive clamp and a second inductive clamp of the unmanned aerial vehicle are aligned with the overhead power line. The method includes causing the first and second inductive clamps to open. The method includes causing the first and second inductive clamps to close around the overhead power line. The method includes inductively coupling the first and second inductive clamps to the overhead power line.