UAV Charging Infrastructure Deployment for Extended Remote Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems lack efficient methods for deploying and managing operational infrastructure, such as ground charging systems, which are essential for extended UAV operations.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a group of UAVs, including a first type dedicated to deploying operational infrastructure and a second type focused on transport tasks, with a control system determining operational locations and coordinating the deployment and use of infrastructure for battery charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single type of UAV is used for both infrastructure deployment and transport tasks, then device complexity is reduced, but task efficiency and productivity deteriorate due to the UAV needing to perform unrelated functions
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV fleet is segmented into specialized sub-groups: infrastructure deployment UAVs equipped with deployment mechanisms for charging equipment, and transport UAVs optimized for cargo delivery. This segmentation allows each UAV type to excel at its specific function, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and task efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system provides universal coordination capabilities that manage multiple UAV types and functions through a single unified platform. This multi-functional control architecture enables the system to handle both infrastructure deployment and transport tasks efficiently without requiring separate control systems for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If UAVs are deployed to remote locations without pre-established infrastructure, then operational reach is extended, but the ability to recharge batteries and sustain operations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Infrastructure deployment UAVs are dispatched ahead of transport UAVs to pre-deploy charging equipment at remote operational locations. This preliminary action establishes the necessary recharging infrastructure before the transport UAVs arrive, enabling them to extend their operational duration without being limited by battery constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployed charging infrastructure acts as an intermediary between the transport UAVs and the remote locations, providing a sustainable power source that enables extended operations. This intermediary infrastructure resolves the contradiction by allowing UAVs to reach remote areas while maintaining operational duration through periodic recharging.
3Device complexity
If infrastructure deployment tasks are assigned to transport UAVs, then the number of UAV types is reduced, but the transport task execution efficiency deteriorates due to time spent on deployment activities
Solution Approach 1:
The fleet is segmented into specialized UAVs with dedicated functions: infrastructure deployment UAVs with deployment mechanisms for charging equipment, and transport UAVs optimized for cargo delivery. This segmentation allows each UAV type to excel at its specific function, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and task efficiency.
4Device complexity
If UAVs operate without dedicated infrastructure deployment capabilities, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to establish operational locations and extend operations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system provides universal coordination capabilities that manage both infrastructure deployment UAVs and transport UAVs through a single unified platform. This multi-functional control architecture enables the system to establish operational locations and extend operations without requiring complex separate control systems for each function.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 1D
AI summary
Example implementations may relate to using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) dedicated to deployment of operational infrastructure, with such deployment enabling charging of a battery of a UAV from a group of UAVs. More specifically, the group of UAVs may include at least (i) a first UAV of a first type configured to deploy operational infrastructure and (ii) a second UAV of a second type configured to carry out a task other than deployment of operational infrastructure. With this arrangement, a control system may determine an operational location at which to deploy operational infrastructure, and may cause the first UAV to deploy operational infrastructure at the operational location. Then, the control system may cause the second UAV to charge a battery of the second UAV using the operational infrastructure deployed by the first UAV at the operational location.