Vehicle Base Station for Autonomous UAV Battery Swapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), face limitations due to battery power, particularly in remote locations, where persistent operation is hindered by the need for frequent battery replacement or recharging.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle base station system that includes a platform for supporting vehicles, a docking assembly for aligning payloads, and a payload replacement assembly to automatically remove and replace payloads, such as modular battery packs, with integrated charging capabilities to recharge removed batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If autonomous vehicles use battery power for persistent operation in remote locations, then operational duration is extended, but battery capacity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into multiple modular battery packs that can be independently replaced. Each battery pack is a self-contained unit with standardized interfaces, allowing the vehicle to swap packs rather than carry excessive single-unit capacity. This segmentation enables the vehicle to maintain operational duration through multiple smaller units rather than one large heavy battery.
Solution Approach 2:
A base station with docking capability serves as an intermediary between the vehicle and replacement batteries. The docking station stores multiple battery packs and automatically swaps them with the vehicle, enabling persistent operation without the vehicle carrying all necessary battery capacity at once. This intermediary system resolves the contradiction by providing external battery support infrastructure.
2Quantity of substance
If manual battery replacement is used in remote locations, then battery capacity can be sufficient, but operational time is lost during replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service battery replacement through automated docking and swapping mechanisms. The vehicle autonomously docks with the base station, and the battery exchange is performed automatically without requiring manual intervention. This eliminates the time loss associated with manual battery replacement while maintaining sufficient battery capacity through the automated system.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple battery packs are pre-charged and stored at the base station before the vehicle needs them. The docking station maintains a ready supply of fully charged batteries, so when the vehicle requires a replacement, a charged pack is immediately available. This preliminary preparation eliminates waiting time during battery replacement operations.
3Productivity
If automated payload replacement assembly is added to the base station, then battery replacement efficiency increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station is designed with universal interfaces and a modular payload replacement assembly that can handle different battery pack types through standardized mechanisms. The same docking infrastructure supports various vehicle types and battery configurations, reducing overall system complexity despite the automated replacement capability. The multi-functional design allows the base station to serve multiple purposes while maintaining streamlined operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes positioning a vehicle on a vehicle base station such that a first payload is aligned with an aperture in the vehicle base station. The method includes aligning an empty docking station of a payload advancing assembly with the aperture. The method includes removing the first payload from the vehicle and placing the first payload in the empty docking station of the payload advancing assembly, where the full docking station includes a second payload. The method also includes aligning a full docking station of the payload advancing assembly with the aperture and securing the second payload to the vehicle.