Optical Power Beam for Aerial Vehicle Map Data
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles require real-time map data for enhanced drivability, including traffic information and obstacle detection, which existing systems fail to provide effectively.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous driving system comprising an aerial vehicle equipped with an imaging device and an optical-to-electrical transducer, and an autonomous vehicle with an optical power generator, enabling the transmission and reception of optical power beams for powering the aerial vehicle and exchanging map data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the aerial vehicle uses conventional power sources (batteries), then it can operate and collect map data, but it must land periodically to recharge, interrupting continuous data transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical battery charging system with an optical power transmission system. The autonomous vehicle uses an optical power generator to transmit power wirelessly through optical beams to the aerial vehicle, eliminating the need for physical landing and mechanical battery replacement or charging connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical power beams as an intermediary medium to transfer energy from the autonomous vehicle to the aerial vehicle. This intermediary optical transmission mechanism enables power transfer without direct physical contact or landing, allowing continuous operation.
2Loss of information
If the aerial vehicle hovers close to the autonomous vehicle for extended periods to transmit data, then data transmission quality improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical beam system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits power from the autonomous vehicle to the aerial vehicle and enables communication. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate power and data transmission systems, optimizing energy usage while maintaining data transmission quality.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the aerial vehicle carries larger batteries to extend operation time, then continuous flight duration increases, but the vehicle's weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical battery system with an optical wireless power transmission system. Instead of increasing battery capacity mechanically, the system uses optical beams to deliver power continuously, maintaining light aerial vehicle weight while achieving extended operational duration.
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 continuous operation of the aerial vehicle for map data transmission without landing for charging, providing real-time map data to the autonomous vehicle for improved navigation and traffic awareness.
Implementation Method 1
an optical-to-electrical transducer configured to: receive an optical power beam from an optical power generator of an autonomous vehicle, and convert optical power of the optical power beam to electrical power for operating the aerial vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous driving system includes an aerial vehicle and an autonomous vehicle. The aerial vehicle includes an imaging device configured to obtain map data, an optical-to-electrical transducer configured to convert optical power to electrical power for operating the aerial vehicle, one or more processors, one or more memory modules, and machine readable instructions stored in the one or more memory modules of the aerial vehicle that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the aerial vehicle to output the map data. The autonomous vehicle includes an optical power generator configured to transmit an optical power beam to the optical-to-electrical transducer of the aerial vehicle. The autonomous vehicle receives the map data output by the imaging device from the aerial vehicle.