UAV Stacking Transport Device with Nested Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The logistics and control of large swarm groups of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for displaying images in the airspace are challenging due to unresolved issues related to logistics and reliability, particularly in managing and maintaining the technical readiness of multiple UAVs.
Innovation Solution
A transport device system that allows for space-saving and efficient stacking of UAVs, with a control and supply system for charging and querying their technical readiness, enabling contactless or contact-based communication and charging, and facilitating automated starting and landing processes, including a lifting mechanism for safe deployment and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If multiple UAVs are stacked vertically for compact transport and storage, then space utilization is improved, but the complexity of establishing and maintaining electrical connections for charging and communication increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements vertical stacking of UAVs within a transport device chamber, where each UAV is positioned one above another along a vertical axis. The electrical connections are routed through the stack, with connection elements positioned at the bottom of each UAV that interface with corresponding elements in adjacent UAVs, creating a nested connection pattern that scales with the number of stacked vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides charging power to all stacked UAVs through a single power source, enables bidirectional communication between the control system and each UAV, and allows for automatic connection establishment when UAVs are stacked. The same interface structure handles both power transmission and data communication.
2Reliability
If the transport device includes a control and supply system for charging and querying all UAVs, then system reliability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously queries each UAV's technical readiness status, battery charge level, and operational parameters through the electrical connections. Based on this feedback information, the system automatically manages charging distribution, identifies UAVs ready for deployment, and monitors system health across the entire stack without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
Each UAV autonomously reports its technical status and readiness to the control system through the electrical interface. The UAVs self-manage their own charging requirements by communicating battery status and power needs, allowing the control system to distribute power efficiently without complex external monitoring equipment for each individual vehicle.
3Productivity
If automated starting and lifting mechanisms are implemented, then operational efficiency is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system pre-identifies which UAVs are ready for deployment by querying their technical status before deployment is requested. The lifting mechanism is pre-positioned and powered, ready to immediately retrieve and deploy identified UAVs without delay. This preliminary preparation enables rapid sequential deployment of multiple UAVs in succession.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting mechanism serves as an intermediary between the stacked UAVs and the external operating environment. It provides a standardized interface for retrieving UAVs from the vertical stack and deploying them horizontally for flight operations, eliminating the need for manual handling and reducing the complexity of direct human-UAV interaction.
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 enhances the reliability and efficiency of UAV operations by ensuring that power cells are charged and functional, allowing for the management of large numbers of UAVs in a compact and controlled manner, reducing the risk of failure and improving logistics for swarm flight operations.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic actuator (21) integrated into the ground unit (6), which is designed for moving the movable bottom (16) within the chamber (4)
Data Source
AI summary
A system composed of at least two unmanned aerial vehicles, each aerial vehicle comprising a drive unit, a flight control unit for controlling the trajectory of the aerial vehicle by means of the drive unit and a rechargeable power cell. Each aerial vehicle comprises an electrical first interface, and the system comprises at least one transport device with at least one chamber defined by boundary elements, in particular corner elements, for receiving the aerial vehicles stacked essentially vertically in the operating position and an electrical control and supply system for charging the power cells and/or for communicating with the flight control units via the first interfaces.