UAV Base Station Cradle With Thermal Control and Compact Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UAV base stations are large, mechanically complex, and expensive, failing to provide efficient operation and significant cost savings while offering improved servicing for unmanned aerial vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A compact base station with an integrated temperature control system, cradle, and slide mechanism for efficient charging and environmental adaptation, featuring a thermoelectric conditioner and air circuits for temperature regulation, along with a modular design for reduced vibration and enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a base station is designed to provide comprehensive servicing for UAVs, then the functionality and reliability are improved, but the size, mechanical complexity, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base station is divided into functional modules: a stationary enclosure providing environmental control, a movable cradle for UAV docking, and a temperature control system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining comprehensive servicing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The cradle serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the UAV, enables docking and charging, and acts as a movable interface between the stationary enclosure and the UAV. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing mechanical complexity
2Reliability
If a base station is designed to provide comprehensive servicing for UAVs, then the functionality and reliability are improved, but the size, mechanical complexity, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle is positioned within the enclosure and can extend outward when needed. The temperature control system components (TEC, air circuits) are nested within the enclosure structure. This nesting allows the base station to maintain a compact footprint while providing comprehensive servicing functions
Solution Approach 2:
The cradle is designed to be movable between a retracted position (within the enclosure) and an extended position (externally positioned for docking). This dynamic configuration allows the base station to maintain a small stationary volume while providing full servicing capability when operational
3Ease of operation
If the cradle is positioned externally for docking, then accessibility for UAV servicing is improved, but protection from environmental factors deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control system preconditions air within the enclosed environment before it reaches the cradle and UAV. This preliminary action ensures that even when the cradle is extended for docking, the UAV is protected from extreme environmental conditions through the buffered microclimate created by the temperature control system
4Temperature
If the TEC is exposed to ambient air, then heat dissipation is improved, but temperature control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control system is divided into two separate air circuits: a first air circuit that provides ambient air exposure for heat dissipation, and a second air circuit that delivers conditioned air to the cradle and UAV. This segmentation allows simultaneous achievement of effective heat dissipation and precise temperature control
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the system are exposed to different air conditions: the TEC experiences ambient air for optimal heat dissipation, while the cradle and UAV experience temperature-controlled air for precise thermal management. This local differentiation of environmental conditions optimizes both heat dissipation and temperature control precision
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 enables efficient charging, temperature regulation, and reduced size and cost, improving the operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness of UAV base stations while providing adaptable environmental performance.
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
Data Source
AI summary
A base station is disclosed for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). 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; and a cradle that is connected to the slide mechanism and which defines a chamber that is configured to receive 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. The cradle includes: an upper shell; a lower shell that is connected to the upper shell; and at least one thermal insulator that is located between the upper shell and the lower shell.