Charging Facility Determination for UAVs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for unmanned flying objects require waiting for charging when another object is already using the facility, leading to inefficiencies in charging facility utilization.

Innovation Solution

A charging facility determination device that acquires information on the cruising range and priority of unmanned flying objects to determine the most suitable charging facility, reducing waiting times by optimizing facility usage based on calculated ranges and set priorities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If unmanned flying objects use charging facilities sequentially, then charging capacity is maintained, but waiting time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging capacityVSAvoidwaiting time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by calculating the cruisable range before charging and determining the optimal charging facility in advance. This allows unmanned flying objects to be assigned to charging facilities that will be available when they arrive, rather than waiting for facilities to become free. The determination of charging facilities is done beforehand based on predicted arrival times and calculated ranges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the assignment of charging facilities based on real-time conditions. When a charging facility becomes available, the system can reassign it to a different unmanned flying object that needs charging most urgently. This dynamic reallocation reduces waiting times while maintaining charging capacity through flexible management rather than fixed sequential usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If charging facilities are allocated based on arrival time, then facility utilization is maximized, but operational flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefacility utilizationVSAvoidoperational flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the parameter of facility allocation from purely time-based to a multi-parameter system that includes cruisable range calculations, priority levels, and predicted arrival times. This allows the system to allocate facilities based on multiple factors simultaneously, maximizing utilization while maintaining flexibility. The cruisable range calculation provides a new dimension for decision-making that balances efficiency with operational adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the determination of charging facilities is based on actual cruisable range calculations from the unmanned flying objects. This feedback loop allows the system to adjust allocations based on real capabilities and needs, maintaining flexibility while improving utilization. The system continuously monitors and adapts to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250012574A1Charging facility determination device, charging facility determination method, and recording medium

Publication Date: 2025.01.09 NEC CORP

AI summary

In the present invention, to make it possible to reduce the wait time for charging an unmanned aerial vehicle at a charging facility, information that can be used to determine the cruising range of an unmanned aerial vehicle is acquired, a priority on the use of a charging facility by an unmanned aerial vehicle is set according to intended use, and a charging facility to be used by an unmanned aerial vehicle is determined on the basis of the priority and the cruising range calculated on the basis of the information that can be used to determine the cruising range.