UAV Charging Station Using Light Socket Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) charging systems lack efficient and unobstructive charging solutions within facilities, as they require dedicated infrastructure and do not effectively utilize existing electrical infrastructure for charging and docking.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of UAV charging stations that utilize existing light sockets for electrical and physical engagement, incorporating light socket connectors, electrical contact regions, and magnetic engaging portions, along with detection sensors and communication modules for conductive and inductive charging and docking, allowing UAVs to charge and dock in unobstructive locations like walls or ceilings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated charging infrastructure is installed for UAVs, then charging capability is provided, but facility complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station is designed to utilize existing light sockets in addition to dedicated electrical connections. The light socket connector allows the charging system to use pre-installed electrical infrastructure intended for lighting, thereby reducing the need for separate charging infrastructure while maintaining reliable charging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects available power sources (light sockets or dedicated charging outlets) and initiates charging without requiring manual configuration or complex facility infrastructure. The UAV autonomously docks and the charging process begins automatically upon detection of electrical contact.
2Ease of operation
If charging stations are positioned throughout a facility, then charging accessibility is improved, but space utilization and obstructions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station utilizes vertical space by mounting on walls or ceilings rather than occupying floor space. This allows charging points to be distributed throughout the facility at various heights and locations without obstructing ground-level movement or operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system can charge UAVs at light sockets distributed throughout the facility, which are already present for lighting purposes. This provides widespread charging accessibility without adding dedicated charging infrastructure that would occupy additional space.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing light sockets are utilized for charging, then infrastructure cost is reduced, but electrical engagement reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A light socket connector serves as an intermediary component that adapts the charging system to work with existing light sockets. This connector provides reliable electrical contact while accommodating the specific configuration of light sockets, thereby maintaining engagement reliability without requiring new infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system can operate with different electrical configurations by detecting and adapting to the available power source characteristics. The charging circuitry adjusts parameters such as voltage and current based on whether it is connected to a light socket or a dedicated charging outlet, ensuring reliable operation across different electrical environments.
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
This solution provides an efficient, space-saving, and cost-effective method for charging UAVs by leveraging existing light sockets, enabling conductive and inductive charging while allowing for simultaneous use of facilities without the need for additional infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
one or more magnetic engaging portions configured to magnetically engage the UAV
Implementation Method 2
one or more electrical contact regions electrically coupled to the light socket connector and electrically engagable with the UAV. When the UAV is electrically coupled to the electrical contact regions, the UAV charging station may conductively charge the UAV
Implementation Method 3
the UAV charging station may conductively and/or inductively charge the UAV
Data Source
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AI summary
Unmanned aerial vehicle charging systems including unmanned aerial vehicle charging stations having a light socket connector configured to be coupled to a light socket, a power circuit electrically coupled to the light socket connector, and a charging station body having one or more electrical contact regions electrically coupled to the power circuit. The one or more electrical contact regions are electrically engageable with one or more unmanned aerial vehicles.