Vehicle-Based Drone Charging System for Autonomous Range Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drone charging solutions are costly and cumbersome, requiring multiple battery packs or charging stations, and fail to address the operational range requirements of autonomous drones effectively.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle-based drone charging apparatus that includes a charging device and communication interface to broadcast use information, allowing drones to be charged on vehicles equipped with charging devices, which can be dynamically configured to accommodate various drone sizes and provide battery swapping options, using solar power and wireless charging technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If multiple battery packs or charging stations are used to extend drone flight time, then drone usability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle-based charging system allows drones to charge autonomously when docked on the vehicle. The charging device automatically detects and charges drone batteries without requiring complex manual intervention or multiple charging stations, thereby extending flight time while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle serves multiple functions: it acts as both a transportation platform and a mobile charging station. The charging device can accommodate various drone sizes and battery types, providing a universal charging solution that replaces the need for multiple specialized charging stations.
2Duration of action of moving object
If multiple battery packs are carried to extend drone operation range, then flight time is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of carrying multiple heavy battery packs, the drone can autonomously recharge at the mobile charging station when docked on the vehicle. This eliminates the need to carry excess battery weight while maintaining extended operational capability through on-demand charging.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from horizontal expansion (carrying multiple batteries) to vertical utilization (using the vehicle as a charging platform). The charging device mounted on the vehicle provides power in a new dimensional context, allowing drones to extend range without increasing their own weight.
3Ease of operation
If fixed charging stations are deployed to extend drone usability, then charging availability is improved, but adaptability to various drone sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The charging device is designed with dynamic adjustability to accommodate various drone sizes. The charging ports and docking mechanisms can be reconfigured or extended to fit different drone form factors, maintaining charging availability while providing versatility across drone types.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile charging station serves as a universal charging platform that can interface with multiple drone types and sizes. The charging device incorporates adaptable connectors and positioning mechanisms that work across different drone configurations, eliminating the need for drone-specific charging stations.
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 extends drone operation ranges by providing a convenient, cost-effective, and adaptable charging system that reduces the need for multiple batteries or charging stations, enhancing the usability of both manned and autonomous drones.
Implementation Method 1
using solar power and wireless charging technology
Implementation Method 2
using solar power and wireless charging technology
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for vehicle-based drone charging are disclosed herein. A vehicle-based drone charging apparatus includes a charging device to be operatively coupled to a vehicle. The charging device is to charge a drone in response to the drone being operatively coupled to the charging device. The vehicle-based drone charging apparatus further includes a communication interface to be operatively coupled to the vehicle. The communication interface is to broadcast use information associated with the charging device. The use information includes location information associated with a location of the vehicle and fee information associated with a cost for use of the charging device.