Background
Drone charging systems contend with such drawbacks as high cost, tight required landing area, and mechanical complexity. Many involve advanced drone alignment mechanisms or charging pads. Therefore, a charging system that addresses these issues can advance the use of drones in new, autonomous applications.
Invention Description
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new charging system for autonomous drones. The design features dual V-channels that allow a drone’s weight to guide skid-based landing gears toward charging electrodes. This affords a wide margin of error in landing position with minimal mechanical complexity. Additionally, battery charging accommodates both landing orientations. With emphasis on robust, intervention-free applications, this design allows water drainage while protecting the internal electronics that support battery monitoring and wireless connectivity to the drone.
Potential Applications
• Drone charging stations
Benefits and Advantages
• Dual V-channel design permits wide error margin during drone landing
• Constructed with low-cost, commercial off-the-shelf components
• Robust, weather-proof design allows water drainage
• Charging process does not require human intervention
• Highly adaptable to existing designs with skid-based landing gears