Slip-through Tether for Drone Power and Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tethered drone systems for long-duration surveillance lack efficient mechanisms for power transmission and data exchange, limiting their operational flexibility and autonomy.
Innovation Solution
A drone and tether system with multiple docking points and coupling/decoupling mechanisms that allow drones to intermittently connect and disconnect from a flexible tether for power and data transfer, using magnetic or wireless charging, enabling drones to move freely along the tether and recharge as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If tethered drones use fixed-length tethers connected to ground-based anchors for power transmission, then long-duration surveillance is enabled, but operational flexibility and autonomy are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The tether is divided into multiple discrete docking points distributed along its length, allowing drones to connect at different locations rather than being restricted to a single ground-based anchor point. This segmentation enables drones to move freely along the tether while maintaining power connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static ground-based anchor to a dynamic tether with multiple mobile docking points that can move with the drone. This allows the tether to adapt to changing operational requirements and drone positions, enhancing flexibility while maintaining continuous power supply.
2Use of energy by moving object
If tethered drones use fixed-length tethers with ground-based anchors, then power transmission is established, but operational autonomy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple docking points are distributed along the tether at different locations, giving drones the autonomy to select and connect to the most suitable docking point based on their operational needs and position, rather than being forced to return to a single ground anchor.
Solution Approach 2:
Drones can independently navigate to and connect with appropriate docking points on the tether without requiring ground-based intervention or repositioning of the entire system, enabling autonomous operation while maintaining power connection.
3Reliability
If drones connect to tethers at fixed ground-based anchors, then power and data connections are established, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tether is segmented into multiple docking points, distributing the connection functionality along the tether's length. This reduces the operational complexity of tether management by allowing drones to connect at various points rather than requiring complex ground-based anchor positioning and retrieval 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
Enhances the operational flexibility and autonomy of drones by allowing them to draw power and exchange data while moving along the tether, reducing tether management complexity and enabling persistent surveillance and multi-perspective monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
The docking point coupling elements and drone coupling elements may comprise magnetic coupling elements
Data Source
AI summary
A powered drone tether and deployment system including a plurality of drone coupling/decoupling mechanisms which enable the coupling/decoupling thereto of rechargeable drones in flight. A lead drone may carry the drone tether so as to extend the tether from a base station supplying power thereto such that one or more rechargeable drones may attach to coupling/decoupling mechanisms for charging, and then detach from the coupling/decoupling mechanisms to perform independent flight tasks.