Magnetic Tether Charging for Alignment-Tolerant Drone Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for autonomous charging of quadrotors are not universal, efficient, portable, or robust, as they often require precise alignment, modification of quadrotor components, or bulky systems that are not adaptable to different frame shapes and sizes, and suffer from power inefficiency and mechanical failure points.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a compact ground station with a flexible charging tether and circular magnetic connectors that establish a precise, orientation-agnostic connection, using an electromagnet for robust docking and easy detachment, allowing charging of quadrotors with different frame shapes and sizes, and enabling continuous mission performance without power cycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless charging is used, then charging convenience is improved, but power efficiency deteriorates due to power loss in wireless transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wireless electromagnetic field coupling with a mechanical contact-based charging system. The charging port uses physical electrical contacts that establish direct electrical connection when the drone docks with the charging station, eliminating wireless transmission losses while maintaining automated docking convenience through magnetic alignment assistance.
2Loss of energy
If contact charging with precise alignment is required, then charging efficiency is improved, but robustness deteriorates due to sensitivity to positioning errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces magnetic elements as an intermediary mechanism between the drone and charging station. These magnets create an attractive force that automatically guides and aligns the charging connectors during docking, reducing the precision requirements for manual positioning while ensuring reliable electrical contact for efficient charging.
3Duration of action of moving object
If battery replacement systems are used, then flight time extension is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple components and mechanical failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential charging function from complex battery replacement systems. Instead of implementing full automated battery swapping mechanisms with multiple moving parts, it uses a simplified tethered charging approach where power is transferred through a flexible cable during docking, eliminating unnecessary mechanical complexity while achieving continuous operation.
4Reliability
If tethered charging is used, then charging reliability is improved, but portability deteriorates due to tether weight and constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible tether cable that can be routed through the drone's structure and folded compactly when not in use. This flexible connection provides reliable electrical contact for charging while minimizing weight compared to rigid tether systems, and allows the drone to maintain maneuverability during charging operations.
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 provides a universal, efficient, and robust charging solution that is highly portable, adaptable to various quadrotor configurations, and allows continuous operation during charging, with high electrical efficiency and minimal mechanical failure points, validated through experiments demonstrating successful charging and long-duration flight capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a ground station magnetic element positioned on the surface of the ground station... at least one tether magnetic element positioned at the distal end
Implementation Method 2
using an electromagnet for robust docking and easy detachment
Data Source
AI summary
A system for charging a battery in an aircraft comprises a ground station comprising an electrical connector configured to be connected to a source of power, a charging port comprising a plurality of electrical contacts a surface of the ground station, and at least one magnetic element positioned on the surface of the ground station, a tether configured to be connected at the proximal end to the aircraft, comprising an electrical connector at the proximal end configured to be connected to a battery of a aircraft, at least one tether magnetic element positioned at the distal end, and a tether charging connector positioned at the distal end, configured to electrically connect to the charging port when the at least one tether magnetic element is connected to the at least one ground station magnetic element. A method of charging an aircraft is also disclosed.