UAV Landing Platform Positioning With Magnetic Dock Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) face challenges in accurately positioning and safely landing due to varying environments and stresses, which can lead to component deformation or failure.

Innovation Solution

A landing system comprising a landing platform with a positioning device under the surface, equipped with a magnetic mechanism to locate and move the UAV to a precise location and orientation, and shock absorption systems in the UAV's landing gear to mitigate landing stresses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a UAV lands directly on the surface without positioning assistance, then the landing process is simple, but the positioning accuracy and alignment precision are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A positioning device is introduced as an intermediary between the UAV and the landing surface. This device includes positioning members that interact with corresponding members on the UAV to achieve precise positioning and orientation adjustment without requiring complex active actuators on the UAV itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The UAV's landing gear is designed with passive positioning members that automatically engage with the positioning device's members. The shock absorption system also serves dual functions of both protecting against landing impacts and facilitating positioning through controlled deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Strength

If the UAV uses rigid landing gear, then the structure is simple, but the UAV cannot withstand landing stresses and components may deform or fail

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestress resistanceVSAvoidlanding gear complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The landing gear incorporates shock absorption members including springs and dampers that are pre-configured to absorb landing impacts. These members are designed to deform controllably during landing to reduce stress on critical UAV components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The landing gear combines multiple materials and structural elements with different properties - rigid components for structural integrity and flexible shock absorption members for impact mitigation. This composite approach allows the landing gear to withstand high landing stresses while maintaining overall structural strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Productivity

If the UAV requires precise alignment for docking operations, then the data exchange and charging efficiency is improved, but the positioning difficulty and time required increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedocking efficiencyVSAvoidpositioning time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning device performs preliminary positioning actions by adjusting the UAV's position and orientation on the landing surface before docking operations begin. The positioning members and shock absorption system work together to pre-align the UAV with the docking station, ensuring optimal alignment before critical data exchange or charging operations commence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The system achieves precise positioning and safe fixation of UAVs on landing platforms, reducing landing stresses and preventing component damage, while enabling efficient docking for charging, data exchange, and cargo handling.

Implementation Method 1

each leg comprises a shock absorption system, and the method may further include operating the shock absorption system during the receiving operation to reduce force received at stress areas of the UAV

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShock absorption: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

after the receiving operation to dampen movement by the UAV

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Implementation Method 3

A landing system comprising a landing platform with a positioning device under the surface, equipped with a magnetic mechanism to locate and move the UAV to a precise location and orientation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic mechanism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS12214902B2Landing systems and methods for unmanned aerial vehicles

Publication Date: 2025.02.04 AERYON LABS

AI summary

Systems and methods related to landing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are provided. In one example, a method includes receiving a UAV on a surface of a landing platform. The method may further include operating a positioning device disposed under the surface to locate the UAV. The method may further include operating the positioning device to move the UAV to a location and/or an orientation on the surface. The UAV may comprise landing gear having a plurality of legs, where each leg comprises a shock absorption system. The method may further include operating the shock absorption system during the receiving operation to reduce force received at stress areas of the UAV, and after the receiving operation, operating the shock absorption system to dampen movement by the UAV. Related devices and systems are also provided.