Pulley-Supported UAV Landing Platform for Charging Hub Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing base stations for UAVs face challenges in efficiently aligning and charging UAVs without causing damage during the docking process, as they often require precise landing and may result in contact between the UAV and the base station roof during closure.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable landing platform with alignment members that can be repositioned between extended and retracted positions, facilitated by a drive mechanism with pulley assemblies and slide assemblies, to align the UAV with a charging hub and prevent contact with the roof during closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the landing platform is fixed in position, then the structure is simple, but the UAV cannot be properly aligned with the charging hub and may contact the roof during closure
Solution Approach 1:
The landing platform is made movable relative to the base station body through a drive mechanism. The platform can transition between retracted and extended positions to dynamically adapt to different docking phases, enabling both safe closure and proper alignment functions
2Measurement precision
If the landing platform is reconfigurable to align UAV with charging hub, then charging alignment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The landing platform incorporates movable alignment members that can adjust their positions to precisely align the UAV with the charging hub. This dynamic adjustment capability enables high alignment precision while keeping the overall structure manageable through controlled movement rather than complex fixed mechanisms
3Ease of operation
If alignment members are in extended position, then they can reposition UAV effectively, but they occupy more space and may interfere with closure
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment members are designed to be movable between extended and retracted positions. During docking operations, they extend to effectively reposition the UAV. During closure, they retract to minimize space occupation and prevent interference, thus providing ease of operation without permanent space consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The landing platform is divided into separable components including the movable platform and retractable alignment members. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently and be stored efficiently when not in use, reducing overall space requirements
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 solution ensures precise alignment of the UAV's power source with the charging hub, preventing damage and improving the docking efficiency by allowing for more forgiving landing precision and safe closure of the base station.
Implementation Method 1
pulley assemblies that apply both a lateral tension and an axial tension to the drive member
Data Source
AI summary
A landing platform for a base station that is configured to receive an unmanned aerial vehicle. The landing platform includes: a drive member; alignment members that are operatively connected to the drive member such that movement of the drive member causes corresponding movement of the alignment members; and pulley assemblies that support the drive member.