UAV Docking Funnel With Visual Fiducials for GPS-Denied Landing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) base stations are large, mechanically complex, expensive, and may not function properly in GPS-denied environments, relying on complex mechanical methods for battery swapping and alignment.
Innovation Solution
A small, passive funnel-shaped nest with visual fiducials and spring contacts for precise landings, supplemented by larger fiducials for GPS-denied environments, and a separate range-extender module for communication, enabling automated battery management and recharging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large base station enclosures are used to service UAVs, then the system can accommodate the UAV and provide service functions, but the system size becomes at least three times larger than the UAV on each side
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment systems with visual fiducial markers that the UAV detects and uses for automated positioning. Instead of mechanical methods to align the drone on the landing pad, the system uses computer vision to detect fiducials and guide the UAV to the correct position, eliminating the need for large enclosures and complex mechanical alignment apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The UAV performs self-alignment and self-positioning by detecting fiducial markers on the landing pad. The system enables the UAV to autonomously determine its position and orientation relative to the base station without requiring external mechanical alignment assistance, thereby reducing the base station size while maintaining service reliability.
2Extent of automation
If complex mechanical methods are used for battery swapping and alignment, then the system can provide automated service functions, but the device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical battery swapping mechanisms with a simplified system where the UAV autonomously positions itself using visual fiducial detection. The automated service is achieved through software-based navigation and positioning rather than mechanical manipulation, dramatically reducing device complexity while maintaining automation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiducial markers serve as intermediaries between the base station and the UAV, enabling automated positioning and alignment without direct mechanical interaction. The visual markers mediate the positioning process, allowing the UAV to self-align with the landing pad and battery contacts without complex mechanical alignment systems.
3Measurement precision
If GPS-based positioning is used for UAV landing, then the system can provide location data, but the system fails in GPS-denied environments
Solution Approach 1:
The fiducial markers serve as local reference intermediaries that replace GPS satellite signals in GPS-denied environments. These markers provide a local positioning reference that the UAV can detect and use for precise landing without relying on external satellite-based GPS systems, thereby enabling operation in GPS-denied environments while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from relying on external satellite-based GPS positioning to using local visual fiducial markers for positioning. This dimensional shift from external to local reference systems enables the UAV to achieve precise positioning in environments where GPS is unavailable, enhancing environmental adaptability while maintaining measurement precision.
4Manufacturing precision
If precise mechanical alignment is required for UAV landing, then the system can achieve accurate battery connection, but the system requires large base station enclosures and complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment mechanisms with visual fiducial detection. The UAV uses computer vision to detect fiducial markers on the landing pad, calculate its position and orientation, and autonomously align itself with the battery contacts. This eliminates the need for complex mechanical alignment systems while achieving precise landing alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The UAV performs self-alignment by detecting fiducial markers and autonomously calculating its position and orientation relative to the landing pad. The system enables the UAV to self-correct its positioning and alignment without requiring external mechanical alignment assistance, achieving precise battery connection with simplified systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are systems for automated docking of an unmanned aerial vehicle. For example, some systems include an unmanned aerial vehicle including a propulsion mechanism, a battery, and a processing apparatus; and a dock including a landing surface with a funnel geometry shaped to fit a bottom surface of the unmanned aerial vehicle at a base of the funnel, wherein tapered sides of the funnel form corners at the base of the funnel, and a battery charger configured to charge the battery of the unmanned aerial vehicle while the unmanned aerial vehicle is on the landing surface, wherein conducting contacts of the battery charger are on the landing surface, positioned at the bottom of the funnel.