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