Tethered UAV Power Supply for Extended Search and Rescue Flight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) face limitations in performing search and rescue operations and traffic control due to power constraints, requiring frequent recharging and being tethered to a fixed power source, which limits their range and portability, and struggle with carrying heavy equipment for extended periods.
Innovation Solution
The development of an unmanned aerial system (UAS) equipped with a portable power source and tether system that allows for extended flight times and the ability to carry heavy equipment, including sensors and display screens, while maintaining flexibility in operation and navigation, using Power Over Ethernet (POE) for data and power transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If UAVs are equipped with larger batteries to extend flight time, then duration of action is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power source from the UAV itself and provides it externally through a portable power source on the ground connected via tether. This eliminates the need to carry heavy batteries on the UAV while enabling extended flight times.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a tether as an intermediary element that transmits power from the ground-based portable power source to the UAV. This mediator allows energy transfer without requiring the UAV to carry its own power source.
2Duration of action of moving object
If UAVs are tethered to a fixed power source, then duration of action is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the power source portable and mobile rather than fixed, allowing the power source to be relocated as needed. This dynamic approach maintains the tether connection while enabling operational flexibility across different locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable power source serves multiple functions: it provides power through the tether, acts as a mobile charging station, and can be relocated to support various operational scenarios including search and rescue, traffic control, and extended surveillance.
3Productivity
If UAVs carry heavy equipment for extended periods, then productivity is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power source from the UAV and relocates it to a ground-based portable power source. This allows the UAV to carry heavy equipment without the energy penalty of onboard batteries, as power is supplied externally through the tether.
4Ease of operation
If UAVs use onboard batteries, then ease of operation is improved, but duration of action deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tether acts as an intermediary that provides continuous power supply from the ground-based portable power source to the UAV. This eliminates the need for frequent landings and battery changes while maintaining ease of operation through remote control.
Data Source
AI summary
An unmanned aerial system (UAS) may comprise an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) configured to search and recover persons and things, collect and produce data of an emergency situation for display on a vehicle navigation system, or explore for natural resources. The UAS may include a landing pad, and/or a sensor such as a ground penetrating sensor configured to search for a person trapped underground. The UAS may be configured to receive data from the one or more sensors. An analyzer may be used to assess surrounding environment and the status of the person or thing, and send a signal to the UAV. The components attached to the UAV may include connectors, a robotic arm, a sensor, and/or a portable power source. The UAS may be configured to, for example, detect an emergency situation and determine the nature and location of the emergency situation. The UAS may be configured to explore for oil, gas, and mineral sources, and/or excavate location using a robotic arm.