UAV In-Flight Battery Exchange for Continuous Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) face downtime due to the need for battery recharging, which can be prolonged and inefficient, as they must return to a predetermined location and wait for the battery to recharge, disrupting their operation.
Innovation Solution
A system allowing UAVs to quickly replace depleted batteries with fully charged ones while in flight, using a battery bay mechanism that retracts and extends during flight, with a battery station that adjusts to align and secure new batteries, enabling seamless exchange under the momentum of the UAV.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the UAV returns to a predetermined location to recharge its battery, then the battery can be recharged, but the UAV experiences significant downtime and operational interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the battery from the UAV system as a separate replaceable component. The battery can be removed from the UAV and replaced with a pre-charged battery, eliminating the need for the UAV to return to a predetermined location for recharging. This extraction principle directly resolves the contradiction by separating the recharge process from the UAV operational cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary charging actions by maintaining a fleet of pre-charged batteries ready for immediate replacement. Instead of charging the battery after depletion (which causes downtime), the system prepares replacement batteries in advance, allowing the UAV to swap batteries instantly and continue operation without interruption.
2Ease of operation
If the UAV waits for battery replacement operation to be completed, then the battery can be replaced, but the replacement process must be efficient to minimize any downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The battery replacement system operates autonomously without requiring human intervention. The UAV automatically docks with the battery station, and the battery exchange is performed mechanically through automated mechanisms including clamps, guides, and alignment systems. This self-service capability minimizes replacement time and maximizes operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual battery replacement operations with an automated mechanical system. The battery station incorporates mechanical clamps, guides, and alignment mechanisms that automatically secure the battery in place and facilitate rapid exchange. This mechanical automation substitutes for manual operations, significantly reducing replacement time and improving ease of operation.
3Speed
If the battery bay mechanism is made retractable and extendable for flight, then the UAV aerodynamics are improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery bay mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than static. It can retract into the UAV fuselage during flight to minimize aerodynamic drag and extend or open at the battery station for battery exchange operations. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements, improving flight performance while enabling access when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery bay mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides aerodynamic fairness during flight when retracted, enables battery access during replacement operations when extended, and offers structural mounting for the battery. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering benefits across different operational phases.
4Manufacturing precision
If the battery station adjusts to align and secure new batteries, then the battery exchange accuracy is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery station incorporates intermediary alignment mechanisms including guides, clamps, and positioning structures that mediate between the incoming UAV and the battery replacement process. These intermediaries ensure precise alignment and secure mounting of the battery without requiring complex direct coupling between the UAV and station systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery station adjustment mechanism utilizes parameter changes such as positional adjustments, angular orientations, and clamping forces to achieve precise battery alignment. By varying these parameters during the exchange process, the system accommodates manufacturing tolerances and ensures accurate battery installation without overly complex mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) comprising a battery holding portion configured to releasably hold a first battery to provide electrical power to the UAV, the battery holding portion being configured to hold the first battery in a position relative to a direction of travel of the UAV such that, upon the UAV encountering a second battery positioned in the path of travel of the UAV, the first battery receives a mechanical impulse from the second battery causing the first battery to be released from the battery holding portion and the second battery replaces the first battery to become held by the battery holding portion to provide electrical power to the UAV.