Unmanned aerial vehicle system with temperature control equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
UAV systems face damage and operational issues in low temperature environments due to docking stations failing to open and batteries not charging properly, leading to inaccessible and damaged equipment.
Innovation Solution
A temperature control equipment for UAV docking stations, featuring a base and cover with vents and airflow paths, utilizing first and second temperature control devices and a heater to maintain optimal temperatures by forming airflow paths that allow heated air to circulate and prevent damage from low temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the docking station is designed with a closed cover to protect the UAV, then the protection capability is improved, but the temperature inside the docking station drops to low levels causing the cover to freeze shut and batteries to fail charging
Solution Approach 1:
A heater is introduced as an intermediary device to mediate between the external cold environment and the internal docking station space. The heater actively adds thermal energy to the enclosed space, preventing the temperature from dropping to freezing levels while maintaining the protective closed cover configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature parameter inside the docking station is actively changed and controlled by the heater. By adjusting the heating output, the system maintains the internal temperature within a suitable range for UAV operation and battery charging, transforming the previously uncontrolled cold environment into a controlled thermal environment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the docking station operates in a low temperature environment, then the UAV can be deployed in cold conditions, but the structure cannot open and batteries will not charge properly
Solution Approach 1:
The heater performs preliminary heating action before the UAV requires operation or charging. By pre-warming the docking station interior when the cover is closed, the system ensures that when the cover opens and charging begins, the temperature is already suitable for battery operation, preventing charging failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The heater acts as an intermediary that decouples the external cold environment from the internal operational requirements. It creates a buffered thermal zone that allows the UAV system to operate normally regardless of external temperature conditions.
3Temperature
If the cover remains closed to maintain temperature, then thermal protection is improved, but the UAV becomes inaccessible and the system cannot be serviced
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed with dynamic movement capability between closed and open positions. The heating system dynamically adjusts to maintain temperature during the closed state, enabling the cover to remain closed for thermal protection during charging, then open when UAV access is needed, with the understanding that the heater will maintain suitable temperatures during subsequent closed periods.
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
Prevents the docking station cover from freezing shut, ensures proper battery charging, and protects UAV and docking station equipment from low-temperature damage by maintaining a suitable internal temperature.
Implementation Method 1
The temperature control equipment includes a first temperature control device, a second temperature control device and a heater. The heater is disposed inside the first temperature control device. When the cover is at the closed position, the first airflow opening, the first vent, the second vent, the third airflow opening, the fourth airflow opening, and the second airflow opening sequentially form a first airflow path; or the first airflow opening, the first vent, a third vent of the cover, and the second airflow opening sequentially form a second airflow path; or the first airflow opening, the first vent, the second vent, the third airflow opening, the fourth airflow opening, a fourth vent of the cover, the third vent and the second airflow opening sequentially form a third airflow path. The heater is located on the first airflow path, the second airflow path, or the third airflow path.
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature control equipment, adapted to control the temperature of a docking station for a UAV, wherein a cover of the docking station includes a first and a second vents. The temperature control equipment includes a first and a second temperature control devices. The first temperature control device includes a first and a second airflow openings, and the second temperature control device includes a third and a fourth airflow openings. The first, second, third, and fourth airflow openings, and the first and second vents form a first airflow path; or the first and second airflow openings, the first vent, and a third vent of the cover form a second airflow path; or the first, second, third, and fourth airflow openings, the first, second, and third vents, a fourth vent of the cover form a third airflow path. A heater is located on the first, second or third airflow path.