UAV Inductive Charging via Power Line Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrically powered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have limited range and require time-consuming recharging, with alternatives like battery replacement also being inefficient due to range limitations.
Innovation Solution
The development of power UAVs that generate current from electromagnetic fields emanating from overhead power lines, allowing for in-flight recharging of other UAVs using secondary transformers or coils, and the use of shielding substrates to protect electronics from magnetic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If electrically powered UAVs are used, then environmental benefits and operational flexibility are improved, but flight range is limited and recharging time is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous power transfer from the power UAV to the cargo UAV during flight through inductive coupling. The power UAV maintains a sustained electromagnetic field that continuously charges the cargo UAV's battery without interruption, eliminating the need for landing and enabling uninterrupted flight operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary energy transfer medium between the power UAV and cargo UAV. This field-based intermediary enables wireless power transmission through inductive coupling, allowing energy transfer without physical contact or direct electrical connection.
2Duration of action of moving object
If battery replacement is performed to extend range, then flight duration is improved, but operational efficiency deteriorates due to landing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The power UAV provides continuous in-flight recharging to the cargo UAV, maintaining uninterrupted power supply throughout the flight. This eliminates the need for landing and battery replacement operations, sustaining continuous cargo delivery missions without operational interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The cargo UAV autonomously receives power while maintaining its flight mission. The in-flight recharging system allows the cargo UAV to service itself during operation without requiring external intervention or landing, maintaining mission continuity.
3Ease of operation
If power is drawn from overhead power lines during flight, then in-flight recharging capability is improved, but magnetic interference with electronics increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary power frequency component from the overhead power line's electromagnetic spectrum while rejecting other interfering frequencies. The receptor is tuned to resonate at the power frequency, selectively capturing energy while filtering out magnetic interference from other sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a localized resonant coupling zone between the power UAV's transmitter and the cargo UAV's receptor. This localized electromagnetic field confines the energy transfer to a specific spatial region, minimizing the volume exposed to magnetic interference and protecting sensitive electronics through spatial localization of the high-field region.
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 extended flight duration for UAVs by utilizing otherwise lost power for in-flight recharging, reducing the need for frequent battery replacement and minimizing damage from magnetic fields, while maintaining safe operation and efficient power management.
Implementation Method 1
generate current from electromagnetic fields emanating from overhead power lines
Implementation Method 2
use of shielding substrates to protect electronics from magnetic interference
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes a power unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that may generate a current from a conductor of an overhead power line carrying an AC power signal. The power UAV has a receptor that includes a secondary coil. Current is generated by the secondary coil of the receptor from magnetic fields emanating from the overhead power lines while the power UAV is flying. The generated current may be used to fly the power UAV, recharge an energy storage device of the power UAV, or be provided to another UAV. In various implementations, while the power UAV is flying, the power UAV may receive another UAV, recharge the other UAV, and then release the UAV to resume flying. In various implementations, the power UAV may also monitor characteristics of the power delivery system.