VTOL UAV Wireless Recharging via Segmented Stations
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) capable of extended, long-distance aerial surveillance that can transition between forward flight and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) to enable indefinite operation without returning to base, except for servicing, maintenance, and overhaul.
Innovation Solution
The UAV is designed with four thrust-generating devices that allow it to transition between forward flight and VTOL, equipped with inductive recharging circuitry for wireless battery recharging at remote stations, and includes a camera and sensor suite for surveillance, along with an autopilot module for autonomous flight control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the UAV returns to base for battery recharging, then the battery can be recharged, but the mission duration and range are limited by the need to return to base
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the recharging function into distributed segments by placing multiple automated recharging stations at remote sites along the UAV's operational path. This allows the UAV to recharge in smaller intervals at multiple locations rather than returning to a single base, effectively extending mission duration while maintaining automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated recharging stations are equipped with docking mechanisms and power transfer systems that enable the UAV to recharge autonomously without human intervention. The UAV simply docks with the station, and the system automatically transfers power, allowing the UAV to service itself during extended missions.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the UAV is equipped with inductive recharging circuitry for wireless recharging, then recharging at remote stations is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical electrical contacts with inductive wireless power transfer systems. The UAV is equipped with inductive recharging circuitry that enables contactless power transfer when docked with recharging stations, eliminating the need for physical plug-and-contact mechanisms and reducing mechanical complexity while enabling extended autonomous operation.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the UAV lands in a tail-sitting position on the recharging pad, then the inductive recharging can be performed, but the landing control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control systems that automatically adjust the UAV's attitude and orientation during the landing and docking process. The flight control system dynamically manages the transition to tail-sitting position and the precise alignment with the recharging pad, handling the complexity of controlled descent and orientation through automated flight control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking system incorporates sensors and feedback mechanisms that monitor the UAV's position, orientation, and alignment with the recharging pad during approach and landing. This feedback enables real-time adjustments to ensure precise docking in the tail-sitting position, automating the complex control requirements and enabling reliable autonomous recharging.
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 prolonged mission duration and range by allowing periodic recharging at remote sites, facilitating continuous monitoring and surveillance without the need for returning to base, while maintaining efficient flight transitions and autonomous operation.
Implementation Method 1
The VTOL capability enables the UAV to land in a tail-sitting position (i.e., with the nose of the UAV pointing skyward) on an inductive recharging pad of a battery-recharging station.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3
AI summary
An unmanned aerial vehicle (10) (UAV), or drone, includes a fuselage (12), left and right airfoil-shaped wings (14, 16) connected to the fuselage (12) to generate lift in forward flight, a left thrust-generating device (18) supported by the left wing (14), and a right thrust-generating device (20) supported by the right wing (16). The UAV further includes a vertical stabilizer (26, 32), a top thrust-generating device (28) mounted to a top portion of the vertical stabilizer (26, 32), and a bottom thrust-generating device (30) mounted to a bottom portion of the vertical stabilizer. An onboard power source (38) is provided for powering the thrust-generating devices. The left, right, top and bottom thrust-generating devices (18, 20, 28, 34) provide forward thrust during forward flight and also provide vertical thrust to enable the unmanned aerial vehicle (10) to take-off and land vertically when the fuselage (12) is substantially vertical and further enabling the unmanned aerial vehicle (10) to transition between forward flight and vertical take-off and landing.