Multi-Drone Jump Start Coordination for Dead Vehicle Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles with dead batteries often lack an alternate source of electricity for starting, as traditional jump-starts are not always available, posing a challenge in situations where immediate assistance is needed.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising multiple drones that establish electrical connections between each other and a vehicle, using robotic arms and conductive end effectors to provide a jump start by transmitting power from the drones to the vehicle's battery, with a master drone coordinating the connection order and parameters such as voltage and amperage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional jump-start methods are used, then a vehicle can receive power from an alternate source, but the method is only available when another vehicle or power source is physically present
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the power delivery function into multiple independent drone units, each capable of providing power independently or in coordination with others. This segmentation allows the jump-start capability to be delivered without requiring a traditional vehicle-to-vehicle connection, as each drone can autonomously establish power transfer to the stranded vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
Drones serve as intermediary power delivery devices between the grid/power source and the stranded vehicle. Instead of requiring direct vehicle-to-vehicle contact, the drone acts as a mobile intermediary that can transmit power wirelessly or through controlled contact, enabling jump-starts in locations where traditional methods are unavailable.
2Reliability
If multiple drones are used to establish electrical connections, then power can be delivered to the vehicle, but the coordination and connection process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple drones are merged into a coordinated system that functions as a single power delivery unit. The drones combine their power output and synchronize their connection operations to the vehicle, ensuring reliable power transfer while managing complexity through centralized coordination protocols that allow them to operate as an integrated team rather than independent units.
Solution Approach 2:
The drone system implements feedback mechanisms where each drone monitors the connection status, power transfer efficiency, and operational state of other drones. This feedback allows real-time coordination and adjustment, ensuring that the complex multi-drone system operates reliably by automatically correcting deviations and optimizing power delivery based on actual conditions.
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 the provision of an electric power source to a vehicle with a dead battery even in locations where no alternate power is available, ensuring reliable and immediate jump-start capabilities through coordinated drone operations.
Implementation Method 1
establish electrical connections therebetween and then to provide a jump start to a vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a system including a computer programmed to actuate a plurality of drones to first establish one or more electrical connections therebetween and then to provide a jump start to a vehicle.