UAV Rotor Wind Charging for Extended Flight Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smaller unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have limited range due to short-lived battery power, restricting their ability for prolonged flights and effective package delivery tasks.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows UAVs to recharge their batteries using wind-induced rotation while docked on a host vehicle, involving monitoring battery levels, determining optimal docking locations, and adjusting rotor configurations for efficient charging, enabling extended flight capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If smaller UAVs use rechargeable batteries to provide power for flying, then they can accomplish flight tasks, but the battery power is short lived and limited, restricting range and duration of flight
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by having the UAV dock with a host vehicle before the battery is completely depleted, allowing the rotor to begin generating electricity in advance. The generator starts charging the battery while the UAV is still docked, ensuring sufficient charge is accumulated before takeoff, thus extending flight duration without waiting for complete battery exhaustion.
Solution Approach 2:
The generator acts as an intermediary device that converts mechanical energy from the rotating rotor into electrical energy to recharge the battery. This intermediary mechanism bridges the gap between the limited battery capacity and the extended flight duration requirement, allowing energy transfer from the host vehicle's motion (via rotor rotation) to the battery storage system.
2Length of moving object
If the UAV docks on a host vehicle to recharge the battery using wind-induced rotation of the rotor, then the range and duration of flight are extended, but the system complexity increases due to docking mechanisms and rotor configuration control
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor serves multiple functions: it acts as both a propulsion element during flight and a generator during docking for recharging. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing system complexity while enabling extended range through energy replenishment during docking periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the rotor configuration (blade pitch angle) based on operational mode - optimized for propulsion during flight and optimized for energy generation during docking. This dynamic adaptation allows the same physical component to efficiently perform different functions, reducing the need for additional specialized components and managing overall system 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 UAVs to extend their range and duration of flight by harnessing wind energy for battery recharging, thereby enhancing their operational efficiency and effectiveness in tasks like package delivery.
Implementation Method 1
charging the battery using wind-induced rotation of a rotor of the UAV
Implementation Method 2
a generator configured to recharge the battery using wind-induced rotation of the rotor
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method includes: monitoring, by a computer device, a charge level of a battery of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV); determining, by the computer device and based on the monitoring, the charge level is less than a threshold level; docking the UAV on a host vehicle; charging the battery using wind-induced rotation of a rotor of the UAV while the UAV is docked on the host vehicle; determining, by the computer device, the UAV is moving away from a destination while the UAV is docked on the host vehicle; and undocking the UAV from the host vehicle based on the determining the UAV is moving away from the destination.