UAV Power Unit Segmentation for Continuous Component Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional UAV designs face data loss issues due to power loss when the battery is removed for recharging or exchange, affecting components like controllers and inertial measurement units, which is critical for navigation and other functions.
Innovation Solution
A power unit in the UAV that switches between modes to ensure continuous power to essential components, using a first battery for propulsion and a second battery for power-consuming units, with a unidirectional diode preventing current flow from the second battery to the power-consuming unit, and an electrical switch for control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the battery is removed for recharging or exchange, then the battery can be reloaded energy to provide increased range, but power to the electrical components is lost causing data loss
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is segmented into two independent battery units: a first battery that powers the propulsion unit, and a second battery that powers the electrical components (controller, IMU, sensors). This segmentation allows the first battery to be removed for recharging without affecting the power supply to critical components, thereby preventing data loss while extending operational duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The second battery acts as an intermediary power source that bridges the gap between propulsion power needs and component power needs. It provides continuous power to electrical components during the battery exchange process, serving as a mediator that prevents data loss while enabling battery reloading for extended range.
2Device complexity
If a single battery powers both propulsion and electrical components, then the structure is simple, but removing the battery for recharging causes power loss and data loss
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is divided into two independent battery units: a first battery for propulsion and a second battery for electrical components. This segmentation increases structural complexity but ensures continuous power supply to critical components during battery exchange, thereby improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power supply configuration from a single battery to a dual-battery arrangement, altering the system parameters to enable independent power management. This allows the first battery to be exchanged without affecting the power status of electrical components, maintaining continuous operation and preventing data loss.
3Loss of information
If the battery is kept on board for continuous power, then data loss is prevented, but the battery cannot be removed for recharging to extend range
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is segmented into two independent battery units: a first battery that can be removed for recharging to extend flight range, and a second battery that remains onboard to continuously power electrical components and preserve data. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing battery exchange without data loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The second battery serves as an intermediary that maintains continuous power to electrical components during the exchange of the first battery. This intermediary power source enables extended flight range through battery reloading while preventing data loss through uninterrupted power supply.
4Loss of information
If power is continuously provided to electrical components during battery exchange, then data loss is prevented, but additional power management complexity is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is segmented into two independent battery units with dedicated functions: the first battery for propulsion and the second battery for electrical components. This segmentation enables continuous power to components during battery exchange, preventing data loss while managing complexity through clear functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The second battery acts as an intermediary power source that maintains continuous operation of electrical components during the first battery exchange process. While this introduces additional power management complexity, it ensures data continuity and prevents data loss through uninterrupted power supply.
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
This solution maintains continuous power to critical UAV components during battery recharging or exchange, preventing data loss and ensuring uninterrupted operation, even when the first battery is decoupled, and allows for extended flight durations by enabling efficient battery management.
Implementation Method 1
The power unit may include a unidirectional diode that prevents current from flowing from the second battery to the power consuming unit
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for swapping the battery on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) while providing continuous power to at least one system on the UAV. The UAV may be able to identify and land on an energy provision station autonomously. The UAV may take off and/or land on the energy provision station. The UAV may communicate with the energy provision station. The energy provision station may store and charge batteries for use on a UAV. The UAV and/or the energy provision station may have a backup energy source to provide continuous power to the UAV.