Propeller Electricity Generation for AAV Battery Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated aerial vehicles (AAVs) are limited by battery life, which restricts flight distance and the weight of items they can carry, as additional features or equipment increase energy demands and weight, reducing battery life further.
Innovation Solution
Implementing electricity generation procedures using wind and kinetic energy, where propellers are rotated by airflow to generate electricity, which can be used to recharge batteries or power sensors, allowing AAVs to extend their operational life by harnessing wind and kinetic energy during flight or when parked.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If larger batteries are utilized to extend flight distance, then battery life is improved, but weight increases which requires additional energy during flight
Solution Approach 1:
The AAV generates its own electricity during flight by harvesting wind energy and kinetic energy through its propellers, making the system self-sufficient for power needs and eliminating the need for larger batteries
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely chemical energy storage system (batteries) with a hybrid system that incorporates mechanical energy harvesting through propellers interacting with wind and airflow to generate electricity
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional equipment or items are added to the AAV, then functionality is improved, but weight increases which reduces battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The electricity generation system allows the AAV to power additional equipment and sensors using harvested energy, enabling enhanced functionality without proportionally increasing battery requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The propellers serve dual functions: providing thrust for flight and generating electricity through interaction with wind and airflow, enabling the system to support multiple functions simultaneously
3Adaptability or versatility
If more features are added to the AAV, then capability is improved, but energy consumption increases which limits battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The AAV generates its own electricity during flight to power additional features and equipment, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for larger batteries or reduced functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the previously wasted kinetic energy and wind resistance into useful electrical energy through the propellers, turning what was a energy loss into a power source that enables additional features
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 method extends the battery life of AAVs, enabling them to carry heavier loads over longer distances by utilizing renewable energy sources, thereby improving their operational efficiency and utility.
Implementation Method 1
A propeller of the automated aerial vehicle rotates in response to wind or kinetic energy of the automated aerial vehicle and generates electricity
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes a system and method for operating an automated aerial vehicle wherein the battery life may be extended by performing one or more electricity generation procedures on the way to a destination (e.g., a delivery location for an item). In various implementations, the electricity generation procedure may include utilizing an airflow to rotate one or more of the propellers of the automated aerial vehicle so that the associated propeller motors will generate electricity (e.g., which can be utilized to recharge the battery, power one or more sensors of the automated aerial vehicle, etc.). In various implementations, the airflow may consist of a wind, or may be created by the kinetic energy of the automated aerial vehicle as it moves through the air (e.g., as part of a normal flight path and/or as part of an aerial maneuver).