UAV Tether Docking System for Autonomous Recharging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery-powered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) require manual intervention for recharging, which is inefficient and inconvenient, especially for periodic use around a user's home, as they need to be plugged into a recharging device or have a battery pack removed and coupled with a recharging device.
Innovation Solution
A UAV docking system that includes a landing pad, magnetic coupler, and recharging system, with an on-board UAV docking system featuring a camera, processors, reel, and tether system to autonomously dock and recharge the UAV, allowing it to operate independently by locating the landing pad using visual codes and sensors, and transferring power and data wirelessly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual plugging or battery removal is used for recharging, then the UAV can be recharged, but user intervention is required which reduces operational independence
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV autonomously docks with the charging station using onboard sensors and navigation, and the magnetic coupler automatically establishes electrical connection for recharging without requiring user intervention. The system performs self-service recharging by independently locating, docking, and connecting to the charging infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical plugging operations with an automated magnetic coupling system. The magnetic coupler uses magnetic attraction forces to automatically align and connect the UAV with the charging station, substituting the need for manual cable insertion or battery removal with an automated magnetic engagement mechanism.
2Productivity
If manual docking procedures are used, then the UAV can be recharged, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient for periodic tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV prepares for docking by activating its reel system in advance and using onboard sensors to locate and navigate toward the charging station before actual contact is made. This preliminary positioning and preparation reduces the overall docking time by having critical systems ready before the docking sequence begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic coupler enables rapid automatic connection between the UAV and charging station, replacing slow manual plugging procedures. The magnetic attraction provides immediate guidance and connection force, significantly reducing the time required to establish charging connection compared to manual cable insertion or battery swapping operations.
3Measurement precision
If the UAV hovers during docking, then precise positioning is achieved, but additional energy is required to maintain hover position
Solution Approach 1:
The reel system operates periodically during the docking process, spooling out the tether in controlled intervals while the UAV hovers. This periodic reel operation allows the UAV to maintain hover position for precise positioning while progressively extending the tether to the landing pad, reducing the duration and energy consumption of hovering compared to continuous hover.
Solution Approach 2:
The tether acts as an intermediary mechanical element between the UAV and the landing pad. By spooling out the tether while hovering, the system transfers the UAV's positional energy to tether potential energy, allowing precise hovering-based positioning followed by controlled descent as the tether becomes taut, thereby reducing total energy consumption compared to maintaining continuous hover or performing manual landing maneuvers.
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 autonomous recharging of UAVs, improving their operational independence and efficiency by allowing them to dock and recharge without user intervention, enhancing their ability to perform periodic tasks around a user's home.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic coupler can include an electromagnet, wherein the electromagnet is powered down during a takeoff procedure of the UAV after the UAV has begun hovering above the docking pad
Implementation Method 2
a camera coupled with the UAV such that the camera images a field-of-view below the UAV. The on-board UAV docking system one or more processors that receive one or more images of the field-of-view below the UAV from the camera and locates the landing pad
Implementation Method 3
a recharging system. The tether line, while the magnetic coupler of the UAV docking station is coupled with the UAV mating device, may transfer power from the recharging connector to a battery on-board the UAV
Data Source
AI summary
Unmanned aerial vehicle docking systems and methods are presented herein. A UAV can hover in a hovering position above a docking pad of the UAV docking system based on positioning measurements. An on-board camera can image a machine-readable code present on the docking pad. The hovering position of the UAV above the docking pad can be adjusted based on imaging of the machine-readable code and ranging measurements to the docking pad. A tether can be extended from the UAV towards the docking pad. The hovering position of the UAV and extension of the tether can be adjusted such that a mating device present on a distal end of the tether engages with a coupling device of the UAV docking pad. The tether can be reeled in to the UAV to assist in lowering the UAV from the hovering position to a landing position on the docking pad.