Wireless Charging Pads for Passenger Drones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Passenger drones face limitations in range due to battery life, necessitating efficient recharging systems to enable longer journeys, especially in scenarios where quick and efficient refueling is required for autonomous operations.
Innovation Solution
A wireless charging system comprising a base structure connected to a power grid with rows of planar charging pads and a computerized controller that directs drones to align and charge, managing speed and direction for efficient energy transfer, capable of accommodating multiple drones and communicating with other charging stations for optimal route planning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If battery capacity is increased to extend operational range, then duration of action is improved, but weight of moving object worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system divides the charging function into multiple segments: wireless charging pads distributed along the drone's path, allowing incremental energy transfer rather than requiring a single large battery. The drone receives energy in segments along its flight path, extending operational range without proportionally increasing battery weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-point charging model to a distributed spatial charging model. Multiple charging pads are positioned at different locations along the drone's flight path, creating a three-dimensional charging infrastructure that allows continuous energy transfer during motion, effectively extending range without additional battery weight.
2Productivity
If wireless charging pads are distributed along the path, then productivity is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The charging pads are designed with universal functionality, using standard wireless power transfer technology that can serve multiple drones simultaneously. The same pad design and control architecture are reused throughout the system, reducing overall complexity despite the distributed nature of the charging infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic alignment and engagement mechanisms where the drone autonomously positions itself relative to the charging pads using onboard sensors and navigation. The charging process is initiated and managed automatically without manual intervention, simplifying operation despite the complex distributed infrastructure.
3Loss of time
If drone moves continuously through charging zone, then loss of time is reduced, but measurement precision worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic communication and adjustment cycles between the drone and charging pads. The drone periodically adjusts its position and orientation while moving through the charging zone, with the control system making incremental corrections to maintain optimal alignment. This periodic adjustment allows continuous motion while preserving sufficient alignment precision for effective wireless charging.
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 quick and efficient recharging of passenger drones, extending their operational range and reducing the need for frequent stops, thereby enhancing their usability in autonomous transportation systems.
Implementation Method 1
a row of substantially planar wireless charging pads supported by the base structure
Data Source
AI summary
A charging system for a drone carrying a passenger pod has a base structure connected to a power grid, a row of substantially planar wireless charging pads supported by the base structure, and a computerized controller enabled to communicate with a drone and to initiate, control and stop charging power. As a drone carrying a passenger pod approaches the charging-system, the computerized controller directs the moving drone into a path bringing a charging receiver pad of the passenger pod carried by the drone, and connected to a battery of the passenger pod, into proximity with the row of substantially planar charging pads, and directs the drone to move the carried passenger pod along the row of charging pods, managing speed and direction of the moving drome along the path, as charging of the battery of the passenger pod is accomplished.