UAV Wireless Charging Coil Orientation Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless charging methods for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) face inefficiencies due to varying positional relationships between transmit and reception coils, leading to inconsistent charging performance, and conventional solutions like using magnets can result in high costs and coil damage.
Innovation Solution
A charging apparatus that adjusts the inclination and orientation of the reception coil on the UAV using a controller and reception coil adjuster to maximize induced electromotive force, aided by magnetic flux detectors and a GPS receiver for precise positioning and alignment with the transmit coil.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnets are provided to transmit coil and reception coil to improve coupling through magnetic force, then coupling between coils is improved, but the reception coil must be placed within the range of magnetic force and the coils are likely to be broken or damaged when frequently moved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical magnetic coupling system with an electromagnetic induction system. Instead of using magnets to physically couple the coils, the system uses a transmit coil to generate a magnetic field that induces current in the reception coil through electromagnetic induction. This substitution eliminates the need for physical magnetic attraction, allowing the UAV to be freely moved without coil damage while maintaining reliable wireless power transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the reception coil, specifically setting the radius ratio of the inner coil to outer coil between 0.3 and 0.7, and the spacing between coils between 0.05 and 0.2 meters. These parameter optimizations maximize the magnetic flux linkage and induced electromotive force, achieving high coupling efficiency without requiring mechanical magnetic coupling, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and operational flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a plurality of transmit coils are used to improve charging coverage, then charging availability is improved, but manufacturing costs increase and charging efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reception coil adjuster that dynamically adjusts the inclination and orientation of the reception coil based on the position of the transmit coil. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows a single transmit coil to effectively serve multiple positioning scenarios, replacing the need for multiple fixed transmit coils. The system adapts to different spatial relationships between the UAV and charging station, maintaining high charging efficiency across various positions without increasing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the reception coil as a multi-functional component that can operate effectively at various orientations and inclinations. By making the reception coil adjustable rather than fixed, a single coil configuration can fulfill multiple charging scenarios that would otherwise require multiple specialized coils. This universal design reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining adaptability to different charging positions.
3Device complexity
If the reception coil is fixed in position to simplify structure, then device complexity is reduced, but charging efficiency varies significantly with positional relationship between coils
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed reception coil structure into a dynamic, adjustable structure. The reception coil adjuster enables real-time modification of the reception coil's inclination and orientation angles based on feedback about the transmit coil's position. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain optimal magnetic flux linkage and induced electromotive force regardless of the UAV's position, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and charging efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the controller receives information about the spatial relationship between the transmit and reception coils, processes this information, and adjusts the reception coil's orientation accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that the reception coil is always optimally positioned to maximize magnetic flux linkage and charging efficiency, eliminating the efficiency variations that would occur with a fixed coil structure.
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
Improves charging efficiency by optimizing the coupling between the reception and transmit coils, ensuring consistent and effective power transfer to the UAV battery.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic flux is generated around a magnetic flux transmit coil by supplying electric current to the transmit coil such that a reception coil placed near the transmit coil receives the magnetic flux and induces electric current
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic flux detector measuring the magnetic flux generated in the transmit coil and sensing a magnetic flux pattern based on the measured magnetic flux
Data Source
AI summary
A charging apparatus for unmanned aerial vehicles and a charging method thereof. The charging apparatus includes: a transmit coil provided to a charging station and generating a magnetic field; a reception coil generating induced electromotive force according to variation of magnetic flux of the transmit coil; a reception coil adjuster adjusting at least one of an inclination and an orientation of the reception coil; and a controller controlling at least one of the inclination and the orientation of the reception coil by controlling the reception coil adjuster according to magnitude of the induced electromotive force generated in the reception coil by the magnetic field generated in the transmit coil.