L-Shaped UAV Charging Dock Contacts for Self-Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Charging devices often require manual alignment of connectors, which is inconvenient and inefficient, and additional mechanisms for unmanned devices can increase power consumption and cost.
Innovation Solution
A multidirectional docking apparatus with L-shaped power-supply contacts and a control circuit that automatically detects and aligns with charging contacts on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to facilitate efficient charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual alignment of charging connectors is required, then charging can be performed, but user convenience deteriorates and additional time is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The docking apparatus uses an L-shaped arrangement of power-supply contacts instead of a symmetric circular arrangement. This asymmetric configuration enables automatic multidirectional docking where the UAV can approach from any direction and still achieve proper alignment through gravity-assisted contact, eliminating manual alignment requirements and reducing docking time
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-alignment through the asymmetric L-shaped contact design combined with gravity. The UAV automatically docks without human intervention by allowing gravitational force to guide the charging contacts into proper engagement with the power-supply contacts, improving ease of operation and eliminating alignment time
2Ease of operation
If additional alignment mechanisms are added to unmanned devices, then connector alignment can be achieved, but device complexity increases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for complex active alignment mechanisms (motors, sensors, actuators) from the UAV by extracting the alignment function into the passive L-shaped contact design. The asymmetric geometry itself performs the alignment function, eliminating additional components and reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces active mechanical alignment systems with a passive geometric solution. The L-shaped contact arrangement uses the physical geometry and gravity rather than powered mechanisms to achieve alignment, reducing device complexity and power consumption while maintaining automatic docking capability
3Device complexity
If traditional single-point charging contacts are used, then simple connection is achieved, but docking reliability deteriorates due to alignment sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The charging contact system is segmented into multiple L-shaped contacts instead of a single point contact. This segmentation provides multiple potential connection points, so if one contact pair does not align perfectly, other segments can still establish electrical connection, improving docking reliability while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The L-shaped contact design extends the connection interface from a single point (0D) to a two-dimensional geometric shape. This dimensional expansion creates multiple contact surfaces that can engage with the UAV's charging contacts from various angles, reducing alignment sensitivity and improving connection reliability
Data Source
AI summary
Docking apparatus and methods for providing charging power to a power storage device of an external device, the docking apparatus including a docking portion for the external device to dock with; a plurality of power-supply contacts mounted on a surface of the docking portion and arranged in an L shape; and a control circuit configured to detect whether the external device docks with the docking portion and supply power to the power-supply contacts on the docking portion in response to detecting that the external device docks with the docking portion.