Wireless Power Transmitter for Racing Aircraft Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-commercial aircraft systems have limited battery power, resulting in short race durations and lengthy setup times for racing events.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a power transmitter configured to remotely transmit power to aircraft systems at a power delivery section of a race course, controlled by a controller to activate, direct, and deactivate the power transmission based on trigger and stop conditions, using electromagnetic radiation such as laser or microwave beams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If battery power is used to power non-commercial aircraft systems, then the aircraft systems can operate independently, but the race duration is limited to minutes or seconds
Solution Approach 1:
A power transmitter system acts as an intermediary to wirelessly transmit power to aircraft systems during the race. The system includes a ground-based power transmitter that emits electromagnetic radiation (microwave or laser beams) and an aircraft-mounted power receiver that converts the received energy to electrical power, thereby extending operational duration beyond battery limitations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical battery power system with a wireless power transmission system using electromagnetic radiation. Instead of relying on stored chemical energy in batteries, the aircraft systems receive continuous power supplementation through microwave or laser beams transmitted from the ground, substituting the mechanical energy storage approach with an electromagnetic energy transfer approach
2Productivity
If battery power is used in aircraft systems, then the systems can be simple and portable, but setup time for races becomes very lengthy
Solution Approach 1:
The power transmitter system is pre-configured and activated before the race begins. The ground-based transmitter is positioned and powered up in advance, and the race course is prepared with power transmission zones marked, allowing aircraft systems to seamlessly enter power reception mode without lengthy setup procedures during the event
3Duration of action of moving object
If continuous power transmission is provided to aircraft systems, then flight time can be extended, but energy waste increases when aircraft are not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The power transmitter operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only when aircraft systems are detected in the power delivery zone. The controller monitors aircraft position and triggers power transmission only during relevant intervals, thereby extending flight time when needed while minimizing energy waste during non-operational periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller receives signals from aircraft systems indicating their position and power needs. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts power transmission activation, ensuring power is provided only when aircraft are in the delivery zone and need energy supplementation, thus avoiding unnecessary energy consumption
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 longer flight times and increased race duration by providing power to aircraft systems during races, reducing setup time and enhancing race efficiency by transmitting power only when needed.
Implementation Method 1
The aircraft system may remotely receive power from a power transmitter in the form of microwave beams, laser beams, or other electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 2
The power transmitter may include a laser configured to generate laser beams towards the aircraft system
Implementation Method 3
The power transmitter may include a microwave transmitter configured to generate microwave beams towards the aircraft system
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for distributing power to racing aircraft systems is provided. The system includes a race course, a power transmitter directed towards a power delivery section of the race course, the power transmitter configured to remotely transmit power to the aircraft systems at the power delivery section, and a controller operatively coupled to the power transmitter to activate, direct and deactivate the power transmitter. The method includes detecting, at the controller, a trigger condition for activating the power transmitter; responsive to detecting the trigger condition, activating the power transmitter; and transmitting the power to the aircraft systems.