UAV Base Station Cradle With Integrated Battery Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing base stations for UAVs are large, mechanically complex, and expensive, lacking efficient temperature regulation and operation capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A compact base station with integrated temperature control systems, including a thermoelectric conditioner and air circuits, to regulate the temperature of UAV power sources, and a movable cradle for docking and charging, along with features like fiducials and illumination systems for UAV guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If known base stations for UAVs are used, then UAV docking and charging functions are provided, but the base station size becomes large and mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base station is divided into functional modules: a housing containing control systems, a separately movable cradle for docking, and integrated temperature control systems. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall mechanical complexity while maintaining docking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The cradle serves multiple functions: it provides the docking interface for UAVs, houses the temperature control system, and acts as a movable platform that can extend and retract. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanical systems for each function, reducing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If known base stations for UAVs are used, then UAV docking and charging functions are provided, but the base station size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle is designed to nest within the housing when not in use, and the temperature control systems are integrated within the cradle structure. This nesting arrangement minimizes the overall volume of the base station while maintaining all necessary docking and temperature control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The cradle is designed to be movable between retracted and extended positions, allowing the base station to have a compact form factor when the cradle is retracted, while still providing full docking functionality when extended. This dynamic design reduces the effective volume required for operation.
3Temperature
If temperature control systems are integrated into the base station, then temperature regulation of UAV power sources is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control systems are merged with the cradle structure, using the cradle's existing mechanical framework to house and support the temperature control components. This integration eliminates the need for separate temperature control housings and reduces overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature control systems are designed to automatically regulate the temperature of UAV power sources based on sensor feedback, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex control mechanisms. The system self-regulates by adjusting cooling or heating as needed.
4Volume of stationary object
If compact base station design is implemented, then size is reduced and cost savings are achieved, but temperature regulation capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control systems operate periodically, cycling between cooling and heating modes as needed to maintain optimal power source temperature. This periodic operation allows effective temperature regulation within a compact form factor by using intermittent rather than continuous control.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional large mechanical cooling systems are replaced with compact electronic temperature control systems that use electrical heating elements and electronic cooling mechanisms. This substitution allows effective temperature regulation in a much smaller volume than would be required for mechanical systems.
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 provides efficient temperature management, reduced size, and cost savings while enhancing UAV servicing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric conditioner (TEC) having a first end and a second end; a first air circuit that is thermally connected to the TEC and which is configured to regulate temperature of the TEC; and a second air circuit that is thermally connected to the TEC such that the TEC is located between the first air circuit and the second air circuit
Implementation Method 2
a first heat sink that is connected to the first plenum and the first end of the TEC; and a second heat sink that is connected to the second plenum and the second end of the TEC
Implementation Method 3
a first air circulator that is configured to direct air through the first plenum and across the first heat sink to vary air temperature within the first air circuit
Data Source
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Figure 6
AI summary
A base station for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is disclosed. The base station includes: an enclosure; a slide mechanism that is connected to the enclosure and which is repositionable between a retracted position and an extended position; a cradle that is connected to the slide mechanism and which is configured for docking with the UAV such that the UAV is movable into and out of the enclosure during repositioning of the slide mechanism between the retracted position and the extended position; and a charging hub that is connected to the slide mechanism and which is configured for electrical connection to a power source of the UAV to charge the power source.