UAV Dual-Battery Swapping for Continuous Delivery Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UAV systems face challenges such as inconsistent package delivery velocities, complex control requirements for landing on small or moving targets, and laborious battery charging processes, which affect efficiency and reliability.
Innovation Solution
The design of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with a dual battery compartment system allowing continuous operation during battery swapping, a landing apparatus with a wider landing zone for reduced precision requirements, and an integrated winch mechanism for controlled package delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single battery is used in the UAV, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases due to power loss and reboot time during battery replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent battery units (first battery and second battery) that can be individually replaced. This allows one battery to be swapped while another continues powering the control system, eliminating reboot interruptions and maintaining operational continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The UAV carries multiple batteries in advance, prepared for immediate replacement. The additional battery is kept ready in the battery compartment, allowing the operator to swap batteries without waiting for charging or experiencing power interruption, thus maintaining continuous operation.
2Reliability
If a winch mechanism is used for package delivery, then the reliability of package delivery is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The winch mechanism is configured to lower the package automatically under control of the control system, which determines the delivery location and controls the lowering process. This automated self-service approach reduces the need for manual intervention and complex mechanical systems while maintaining reliable controlled delivery.
3Area of stationary object
If a narrow landing zone is used, then the area occupied is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to higher precision requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The landing zone is designed as a nest with tapered or curved sidewalls that dynamically guide the UAV toward the center during descent. This dynamic geometric feature automatically corrects off-center approaches and simplifies landing precision requirements while maintaining a compact footprint.
Data Source
AI summary
An unmanned aerial vehicle according to certain embodiments generally includes a chassis, a control system, and at least one rotor. The chassis includes a first battery compartment configured to receive sliding insertion of a first battery, and a second battery compartment configured to receive sliding insertion of a second battery. The control system is operable to receive power from the first battery and the second battery when the first battery is received in the first battery compartment and the second battery is received in the second battery compartment. The at least one rotor is operable to generate lift under control of the control system when both the first battery and the second battery are installed to the chassis. The control system is configured to remain at least partially active under power supplied by the first battery when the second battery is removed from the second battery compartment.