UAV Coupling Apparatus for Mobile Recharging and Weather Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) face limitations due to limited battery life and unfavorable weather conditions, which can hinder their efficiency and functionality in performing tasks such as reconnaissance and cargo delivery.

Innovation Solution

A UAV coupling apparatus that includes a processor-based monitoring device to detect when values exceed predetermined thresholds, a vehicle selector to choose suitable secondary vehicles based on travel routes, and a coupling mechanism to attach and detach the UAV from these vehicles, allowing for seamless transfer of services like recharging and repair without interrupting operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If the UAV operates continuously with limited battery life, then the operational duration is extended, but the reliability decreases when battery threshold is exceeded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational durationVSAvoidsystem reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring device detects battery level thresholds in advance before complete depletion occurs. The system proactively initiates coupling with secondary vehicles when battery levels reach predetermined thresholds, allowing the UAV to maintain operational reliability by transitioning to vehicle-mounted power sources before battery failure occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Secondary vehicles serve as intermediary carriers that provide alternative power sources and operational platforms for the UAV. When the UAV couples with these vehicles, it gains access to their battery systems, effectively extending operational duration while maintaining reliability through the intermediary support of the vehicle platform.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the UAV operates in unfavorable weather conditions, then the operational versatility is improved, but the reliability decreases due to safety concerns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational versatilityVSAvoidsafety reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Secondary vehicles act as protective intermediaries that shield the UAV from adverse weather conditions. By coupling with these vehicles, the UAV gains a protected operational environment while maintaining its mission capabilities, thus preserving reliability during challenging weather without sacrificing operational versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides beforehand protection by coupling the UAV with secondary vehicles before exposure to severe weather conditions. This prior cushioning through vehicle attachment protects the UAV from environmental hazards, ensuring safety reliability while maintaining the ability to operate in diverse weather conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If the UAV lands for recharging or repair, then the reliability is maintained, but the productivity decreases due to operational interruption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidoperational productivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The UAV maintains continuous operational capability by coupling with secondary vehicles that provide onboard recharging and repair facilities. This eliminates the need for ground landings, allowing the UAV to remain in service and continue its useful actions without interruption, thus maintaining both reliability and productivity simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from two-dimensional ground-based maintenance (landing on the ground) to three-dimensional mobile maintenance (coupling with moving secondary vehicles). This dimensional change allows the UAV to access recharging and repair services while remaining in its operational airspace, eliminating productivity loss from landing interruptions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the UAV carries more cargo or equipment, then the functional capability is improved, but the speed decreases due to increased weight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidflight speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

Secondary vehicles serve as intermediary support platforms that carry additional cargo and equipment weight. The UAV can couple with these vehicles to offload excess weight during high-speed phases while maintaining access to its functional capabilities, thus resolving the speed-capability tradeoff through the intermediary vehicle platform.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10287014B2Unmanned aerial vehicle coupling apparatus for drone coupling with vehicles

Publication Date: 2019.05.14 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

An unmanned aerial vehicle coupling apparatus for drone coupling. The unmanned aerial vehicle coupling apparatus includes a processor-based monitoring device to monitor values for each of a plurality of functions provided by a unmanned aerial vehicle and to detect when a value exceeds a predetermined threshold value, a vehicle selector to receive travel routes from each of a plurality of secondary vehicles and to select a secondary vehicle based on a travel route of the secondary vehicle when the value exceeds the predetermined threshold value, and a coupling mechanism to fasten and unfasten the unmanned aerial vehicle to the secondary vehicle.