UAV Docking Port for Autonomous Launch, Charging, and Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compact personal unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are inconvenient for rapid launching, long-range travel, autonomous operation, docking, charging, and storage, as they require manual operation and have limited power and range.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for autonomous UAV operations, including a universal docking, networking, and charging port apparatus that enables launch, flight, navigation, networking, docking, charging, and wireless power transfer, induction, management, and distribution from wearable, mobile, vehicular, or stationary docking stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation and hand-carrying of UAVs is used, then the UAV structure can be simple and compact, but rapid launching, long-range travel, and autonomous operation become inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV automatically docks with the docking station using onboard sensors and navigation systems to locate and align with the station, then autonomously connects electrical and data contacts without human intervention. The system self-manages charging, data transfer, and firmware updates through this automated docking process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical docking operations with optical and electromagnetic systems. The docking station uses optical guides and electromagnetic fields to guide the UAV to the correct docking position, substituting human hands and eyes with automated sensor systems for alignment and connection.
2Duration of action of moving object
If limited battery power is used in compact UAVs, then the device remains portable and manageable, but range and operational duration are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station provides continuous power transfer to the UAV during docking periods, ensuring the battery is constantly replenished. This continuous charging action eliminates operational duration limitations by maintaining the battery at full capacity whenever the UAV is docked, enabling extended mission cycles between takeoff and return.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary charging actions during each docking cycle before the UAV departs on its next mission. By ensuring the battery is fully charged in advance during docking periods, the system prepares the UAV for extended operational duration on subsequent flights without requiring larger battery capacity.
3Extent of automation
If wireless power transfer and in-flight networking are implemented, then autonomous operation and hands-free control are enabled, but system complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station integrates multiple functions into a single unified system: wireless power transfer, data networking, firmware updates, and navigation guidance all occur through one docking interface. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating what would otherwise require separate systems and components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines electrical power contacts, data communication contacts, and optical alignment systems into a single integrated docking mechanism. By merging these functions into one unified docking interface, the system achieves high automation capability while managing complexity through integration rather than separate systems.
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 light and optical depth mapping, IR and laser guidance for autonomous flight and docking, and in-flight wireless data networking and power transfer, facilitating hands-free, fully autonomous UAV operations for extended periods.
Implementation Method 1
continuous light and optical depth mapping and imaging of the UAV environment
Implementation Method 2
IR and laser guidance for autonomous flight navigation
Implementation Method 3
IR and laser guidance for autonomous flight navigation
Implementation Method 4
wireless power transfer, induction, charging and distribution
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed inventions include personal Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV's) and UAV universal docking ports “docking ports” to be incorporated into and/or attached to headwear, including helmets, hard hats and hats and face masks, as well as footwear including boots and shoes, clothing and outerwear, devices, gear and equipment, land, air, water and space vehicles, buildings, wireless towers and other mobile or stationary objects and surfaces referred to collectively as “docking stations”. A docking station may have one or more docking ports for docking, networking and charging or refueling compact personal UAVs, and for providing data communications between said UAVs and other electronic devices that remain with the person while the UAV is in flight or driving or landed on terrain. Said docking ports may also incorporate wireless power transmission for remote wireless charging of one or more UAV's. Supplemental power for recharging said UAVs when docked may be supplied by integrated battery(s) in said docking port or me be provided directly from the docking station or other connected power source.