Coaxial Tether for UAV Power and Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) face limitations due to battery-operated power sources leading to short mission lifetimes and vulnerabilities in radio frequency communication, which can be addressed by a tether system that transfers both power and data, but existing solutions are hindered by weight and complexity issues.
Innovation Solution
A power and data tether system that uses a coaxial cable to transmit high-voltage DC power and RF data signals, with bias-tee circuits for isolation and transient attenuation, and includes safety mechanisms like a battery backup for continuous operation and secure communication switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a tether is used to transfer power to the UAV, then the mission duration is extended, but the tether weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power transfer and data communication functions into a single tether interface. The coaxial cable structure allows high-voltage DC power to be transmitted through the inner conductor while RF communication signals are transmitted through the outer conductor, eliminating the need for separate power and data cables. This merging of functions reduces the overall tether weight while extending mission duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The tether system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides high-voltage DC power transmission for extended operation, RF communication for secure data exchange, and physical connection for stable signal transmission. This multi-functionality allows a single tether to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate systems, reducing weight while achieving extended mission duration.
2Length of moving object
If RF communication is used for UAV control, then the communication range is extended, but the system becomes vulnerable to detection and jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the tether as an intermediary physical medium for communication, replacing direct RF transmission between ground station and UAV. The tether acts as a guided wave structure that confines electromagnetic signals, providing secure communication that cannot be easily intercepted or jammed. This intermediary approach maintains communication effectiveness while eliminating the security vulnerabilities of traditional RF methods.
3Reliability
If separate wires are added for secure communication, then the communication security is improved, but the system complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power transmission and secure communication into a single coaxial cable structure. The inner conductor carries high-voltage DC power while the outer conductor carries RF communication signals. This merging eliminates the need for additional separate communication wires, reducing system complexity and weight while maintaining secure communication through the shielded coaxial structure that provides inherent electromagnetic interference rejection.
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
Enables continuous, secure operation of UAVs with reduced tether weight and enhanced communication security, allowing extended mission durations and safe landing procedures.
Implementation Method 1
transmit high-voltage DC power
Implementation Method 2
transmit RF data signals
Implementation Method 3
bias-tee circuits for isolation
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprising a tether having two conductors, wherein one end is electrically coupled to a ground system and the other end is electrically coupled to an aerial system; the ground system comprising a power signal and a data signal, wherein the power signal and data signal are interfaced through a bias-tee circuit, the ground system further comprising a transient attenuation circuit; the aerial system comprising a bias-tee circuit and a transient attenuation circuit; the ground system configured to send and the aerial system configured to receive the power signal via the tether, and the ground system and the aerial system configured to send and receive the data signal via the tether.