UAV Power Supply Swapping with Docking and Mobile Robot Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maintenance and replacement of power supply devices in autonomous vehicles, particularly unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), pose challenges that disrupt the efficiency and timeliness of last-mile delivery operations.
Innovation Solution
A delivery system comprising a UAV with a power-supply section, a docking station, a workstation, and mobile robots that transport containers with compartments for customer orders and power supply devices, enabling efficient replacement and charging of power supply devices using a monitoring system and charge controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power supply devices are manually maintained and replaced in UAVs, then operational reliability is improved, but delivery time and operational efficiency deteriorate due to time constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides power supply management into separate functional modules: mobile robots for transport, automated docking stations for replacement, and centralized charging facilities. This segmentation enables parallel operations where multiple UAVs can be serviced simultaneously without manual intervention, maintaining reliability while reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
UAVs are equipped with automated power supply replacement capabilities where the docking station autonomously detects, removes, and replaces power supply devices without human intervention. The system self-monitors power levels and initiates replacements automatically, ensuring operational reliability while minimizing delivery time interruptions.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If multiple power supply devices are charged and stored at the order fulfillment facility, then operational continuity is improved, but device complexity and infrastructure requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station serves multiple functions: it acts as a replacement station for power supply devices, a charging station for multiple batteries, a monitoring point for power levels, and a communication interface with the central control system. This multi-functionality ensures operational continuity without proportionally increasing infrastructure complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Power supply devices are charged and prepared in advance at the facility's charging infrastructure before being needed. The system pre-charges multiple power supplies and stores them in ready状态, ensuring operational continuity is maintained without requiring complex real-time power management during delivery operations.
3Productivity
If automated monitoring and replacement systems are implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and initial investment worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous monitoring of power supply charge levels, UAV operational status, and delivery schedules. The central control system receives feedback from docking stations and mobile robots, automatically adjusting power supply replacement timing and routing to optimize productivity while managing system complexity through intelligent coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
Mobile robots serve as intermediaries between the charging facility and UAV docking stations, transporting power supply devices autonomously. This intermediary layer enables automated high-speed replacement without requiring direct complex integration between all system components, thereby improving productivity while controlling overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An order fulfillment facility with a delivery system is disclosed having plurality of mobile robots with containers to bring customer orders and/or power supply device/s to UAV/s for final delivery. UAV leaves the discharged power supply devices that are received in empty container and transported to storage area for replenishment and diagnostic checks. Order fulfillment operations along with power supply device charging and monitoring is performed to achieve timely delivery of customer orders.