UAV Docking Charging Hub With Repositionable Contact Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing base stations for UAVs require precise docking and charging, limiting the margin of error during landing and increasing the difficulty of successful landings.
Innovation Solution
A repositionable charging hub that can move between a retracted and extended position, allowing for increased landing envelope and improved docking precision through stages of alignment and electrical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the charging hub is fixed in an exposed position, then electrical connection is facilitated, but the landing envelope is reduced and docking precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charging hub is made dynamically repositionable between retracted and extended positions. A motor assembly with drive member moves the charging hub along a guide mechanism, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on whether the UAV is landing or docked, thus resolving the contradiction between landing envelope size and electrical connection accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The base station is segmented into movable and fixed components. The charging hub is separated from the fixed base structure and can be independently positioned, allowing the landing platform to maintain a clear, unobstructed surface for landing while the charging hub can be brought into position for docking and electrical connection
2Area of stationary object
If the charging hub is retracted to increase landing envelope, then landing safety is improved, but electrical connection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The charging hub is preliminarily positioned in the retracted state to maximize landing envelope and safety margins during approach and landing. After successful landing, the charging hub is then extended to establish electrical connection, ensuring that the landing phase benefits from the retracted position while the docking phase gains access to charging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically transitions the charging hub from retracted to extended position based on the operational phase. The motor assembly actuates the charging hub to the extended position after landing, enabling electrical connection without compromising the landing envelope during the critical landing phase
Data Source
AI summary
A method of docking an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with a base station. The method includes landing the UAV on a landing platform of the base station; generally aligning the UAV with a charging hub of the base station; repositioning the UAV on the landing platform via engagement with the charging hub; and deflecting the charging hub to generally align electrical contacts on the UAV with corresponding electrical contacts on the charging hub.