Tethered Drone Power Delivery with Ground Fault Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication networks face disruptions when base station transceivers become inoperable due to natural disasters, leading to network outages for users, and there is a need for safe and efficient power delivery to tethered drones used as temporary communication solutions.
Innovation Solution
A tethered drone system that receives packetized electrical power and communication signals from a ground-based power delivery system, which includes a processing unit to monitor power parameters, adjust transmission, and detect ground faults, ensuring safe operation and continuous network connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If electrical power is supplied to a tethered drone through a tether, then the drone can operate continuously providing communication services, but there is a hazard of electrical shock or fire if the tether contacts ground or conductive objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection system between the power source and the drone that monitors tether conditions. Ground fault detection circuits and communication systems act as mediators to detect potential hazards and control power delivery, preventing direct harmful contact while maintaining continuous power supply for extended operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the drone communicates tether status and power reception information back to the ground station. The ground fault detection circuit continuously monitors electrical parameters and provides feedback to control power delivery, adjusting or interrupting power supply when hazards are detected, thus resolving the contradiction between continuous operation and safety.
2Loss of energy
If the tether is made more conductive to improve power transmission efficiency, then power delivery becomes more efficient, but the risk of ground faults and electrical hazards increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by dynamically adjusting power transmission characteristics based on detected conditions. The system monitors electrical parameters such as current, voltage, and impedance, and modifies power delivery parameters in real-time to maintain efficient transmission while preventing ground faults. This allows optimal power transfer without permanently increasing conductive hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely electrical power transmission with a controlled system that uses communication feedback and electronic control circuits. Instead of relying solely on the electrical properties of the tether, the system uses electronic monitoring and control mechanisms to manage power delivery, substituting passive electrical conduction with active electronic control to reduce ground fault risks.
3Reliability
If monitoring and control systems are added to detect ground faults and adjust power transmission, then safety is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing the tether system to serve multiple purposes: power transmission, communication, and hazard detection. The same communication channel transmits both operational data and safety information. The ground fault detection circuit integrates with the existing power delivery system, allowing a single system to perform multiple functions without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power delivery system, communication system, and safety monitoring system into an integrated architecture. The tether serves as both power carrier and communication medium. Detection circuits are combined with power control circuits, allowing safety monitoring and power management to share hardware resources and control logic, thereby reducing overall system complexity while improving reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A drone includes a propulsion system, a processing unit, and a power system having a battery and a power connection port. The power system is configured to receive packetized electrical power over a tether including an air-to-ground power feed attachable to the power connection port. The power system is also configured to supply electrical power to the processing unit, the battery, and the propulsion system. The processing unit is configured to acknowledge receipt of the packetized electrical power. A power delivery system includes a packetized electrical power transmitter and a processing unit. The processing unit is configured to operate the packetized electrical power transmitter to transmit packets of electrical power over a power feed within a tether attached to a drone. The processing unit is also configured to monitor a communication channel within the tether for acknowledgements indicating the drone has received the transmitted packets of electrical power.