UAV Landing Stand With Electromagnetic Capture and Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) landing and launch lack efficient and safe mechanisms for precise alignment, secure capture, and integrated refueling and recharging, often resulting in mechanical stress and limited automation in handling and navigation.
Innovation Solution
The development of a stand system equipped with vertical lift clamps, inertial measurement units, and networked communication for precise UAV alignment, secure capture, and integrated refueling and recharging capabilities, utilizing sensors and electromagnets for controlled landing and launch processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual handling and navigation systems are used for UAV landing and launch, then system complexity is reduced, but mechanical stress increases and operational precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with automated electromagnetic systems. Electromagnets are used to capture and secure the UAV during landing and launch operations, eliminating the need for manual mechanical intervention. This substitution reduces mechanical stress on the system while improving operational reliability and precision.
2Device complexity
If basic alignment mechanisms are used for UAV landing, then device complexity is minimized, but alignment precision and capture security are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates inertial measurement units (IMUs) and electromagnetic systems to achieve precise alignment during UAV landing. The IMU provides accurate orientation and position data, while electromagnets enable secure capture. This combination achieves high alignment precision without requiring overly complex mechanical alignment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate systems including IMUs, sensors, and electromagnetic fields as mediators between the UAV and the landing/launch structure. These intermediaries enable precise measurement and control of alignment, improving capture security while maintaining reasonable device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate systems are used for refueling and recharging, then system versatility is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines refueling and recharging operations into an integrated system. The same electromagnetic capture mechanism and positioning system used for landing/launch are also employed for refueling and recharging operations. This merging of functions provides system versatility while avoiding the need for separate complex systems for each operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the landing/launch structure with universal capabilities that can perform multiple functions: capturing the UAV during landing, securing it during refueling, and launching it for takeoff. The electromagnetic systems and positioning mechanisms serve all these purposes, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 safe, precise, and automated UAV landing and launch operations, reducing mechanical stress and enhancing operational efficiency through precise alignment and integrated refueling and recharging, while allowing for networked communication and coordinated UAV management.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing sensors and electromagnets for controlled landing and launch processes
Implementation Method 2
equipped with vertical lift clamps, inertial measurement units, and networked communication for precise UAV alignment, secure capture
Data Source
AI summary
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a stand for launching, landing, testing, refueling and recharging a UAV, and methods for testing, landing and launching the UAV are disclosed. Further, embodiments may include transferring a payload onto or off of the UAV, and loading flight planning and diagnostic maintenance information to the UAV.