Docking Systems for Drone and UAVs - Detailed Analysis

Automatic charging docking system that allows a battery-powered device to find and connect to a charging station without manual intervention. The system uses LoRa wireless communication between the battery, base station, and charging station. The battery device sends a location request to the base station. The base station allocates a specific charging station based on the battery's location. The battery then heads to that station and awakens it with a message. The station starts charging when it matches the identification in the message. This allows reliable, automated charging without requiring line-of-sight or precise alignment.

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Autonomous drone operations using docking stations integrated into clothing, helmets, vehicles, etc. The drones can autonomously dock, charge, and transfer power wirelessly to the stations. They can also form groups to coordinate tasks and share functions. The stations have imaging sensors to guide drone docking. The drones have docking ports to connect to the stations. This allows continuous drone flight with in-air docking and charging.

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Automatically positioning drones on landing sites to enable precise loading, unloading, refueling, charging, and switching of cargo between drones and other devices without human intervention. The system uses a rope sling that drones land in. When retracted, the sling pulls the drone into a precise position relative to nearby devices like loading stations or refueling ports. This allows automated transfer of cargo or fluids without human assistance. The system can have multiple winches and slings to spread the rope and surround the landing area. It can also have guides to further align the drone.

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Landing pads for drones that are integrated into buildings to improve drone delivery efficiency and security. The landing pads have features like scanners, cameras, compartments, and rotating mechanisms to optimize drone delivery and reduce conflicts. They can also have environmental sensors, climate control, and sorting mechanisms to adapt to the delivered parcels. The pads can communicate with drones and other pads to coordinate deliveries and capacity. The goal is to minimize drone collisions, reduce parcel conflicts, shorten delivery times, and improve drone energy efficiency.

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A storage device for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that enables autonomous takeoff and landing without human intervention. The storage device has a magnet or magnetic body on the upper surface to attract the UAV's own magnets when it lands. This allows the UAV to automatically dock and secure itself to the storage device. Similarly, the UAV can detach and fly away autonomously. This eliminates the need for hand releases or human intervention when the UAV is operating underground or indoors where human access is limited.

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Enabling unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to perform remote takeoff and landing without using the UAV itself as an intermediary. The method involves having multiple ground stations (nests) connected to the terminal. When a UAV needs to take off from one nest and land at another, the terminal sends the UAV's route to the first nest. The nest forwards the route to the UAV. The terminal monitors the UAV's distance to the second nest. If it gets close, the terminal sends the second nest to prepare for landing. The UAV then lands at the second nest instead of returning to the terminal. This allows efficient UAV transportation between nests using the ground stations.

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Elevated unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) stations for efficient delivery of products using drones. The stations are located above buildings like warehouses, stores, or communities to enable takeoff and landing of drones without requiring a large ground facility. The stations have platforms raised above pedestrian and vehicular traffic levels, allowing close proximity to existing infrastructure. Payloads are conveyed vertically between internal buildings and the elevated UAV station using systems like elevators or cranes. The elevated station assembles, loads, launches, and recovers drones for delivery. This enables streamlined on-demand drone delivery from co-located buildings without needing separate UAV facilities.

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This research investigates the autonomous aerial docking of multirotor UAVs in an outdoor environment. Initially, a novel mechanism utilizing NbFeB magnets is proposed for Multirotor UAV, allowing misalignment errors up to 5 cm. Subsequently, relative position estimation between UAV and obtained by using onboard visual Real-Time-kinematics (RTK) sensing. Eventually, cascade PID-based controller developed ensure precise alignment. Experiment results demonstrate that quadrotor platform can successfully dock with via method.

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This article introduced new way to help avoid of drone crashing into each others. The suggested system facilitates communication between drones, enabling them exchange their current location and planned flight path. By working together, drones can anticipate potential collisions. technique utilizes the principle "repulsion forces," autonomously alter trajectories in response nearby obstacles, such as other drones. collision avoidance behavior adapts dynamically distance vehicles, guaranteeing both safety coordination. Created with simplicity computational efficiency mind, is well-suited for lightweight, cost-effective To assess performance, two simulations were carried out: one groups nine approaching other, another 25 executing formation changes. findings revealed that was able prevent collisions, maintain appropriate spacing adjust different environmental conditions. approach improves swarm coordination shows practical applications like managing air traffic cities, delivering packages autonomously, responding emergencies, monitoring defense operations. Future research plans invo... Read More

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Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are a fast and effective platform that can be used for item delivery. However, the use of conventional multirotor structure often require payload to manually loaded unloaded, increasing turnaround times reducing efficiency such systems. While adding gripper enable grasping releasing payload, typical solution attaching grippers in an underslung manner below UAV leads undesirable flight dynamics when is carried. In this paper, we aim unify goal delivery with direct capabilities, improving load-carrying UAVs while enabling loading unloading without human presence or external receiving stations. To do so, propose design optimizes transportation by hollowing out center bay. This positioning prevents large changes mass moment inertia between unloaded states, hence control authority vehicle. Combined soft enveloping grasper, proposed successfully demonstrated full mission profile approach, capture, grasp, carry, release. addition, object from as well controlled perching were also performed same demonstrating its multifunctionality. The configuration work prov... Read More

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Automated docking of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) through a novel base station design that enables precise landing and charging operations without human intervention. The base station features a retractable landing surface that can be automatically transitioned between positions, with a unique fiducial marking system that enables precise targeting of the landing surface. The system uses computer vision to detect the fiducial and determine the landing position, then controls the propulsion system to guide the UAV to the designated landing surface. The base station also incorporates advanced charging and cleaning capabilities, including automated charging and cleaning systems.

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Automated docking of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) through a novel docking platform that enables precise landing on a surface without human intervention. The platform comprises a landing surface with a fiducial marker and a docking mechanism that positions the UAV on the surface. The fiducial is detected using onboard sensors, and the UAV's flight trajectory is controlled based on the fiducial's position. The platform automatically transitions between docking positions, with features like retractable arms and charging capabilities. This eliminates the need for manual landing procedures, enabling continuous autonomous operations.

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A mobile device for dispatching and receiving drones that has a landing platform with features to efficiently load and unload drones. The landing platform has parallel drone conveyor belts spaced apart so a drone can be on both simultaneously. Above the belts are sliding bars that can move toward each other to displace the drone. This allows the drone to be moved into positions for transfer to a storage level or loading cargo onto a hoist. The belts and bars coordinated motion moves the drone into the appropriate position for the next step.

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Base station for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that provides automated servicing, storage, charging, and accommodation for UAVs. The station has features like: 1. Integrated temperature control system with a thermoelectric cooling/heating module to regulate the UAV's power source temperature. 2. Enclosure with a sliding cradle that retracts into the station when not in use. This allows UAVs to dock, charge, and store inside the station to protect them. 3. Base station door that opens and closes to let UAVs enter and exit. 4. Folding propeller mechanism that folds UAV propellers during docking to prevent collision with the station. 5. Visualization system with illumination and imaging to aid docking and precipitation detection. 6. Enclosure with heating elements, fiducials, and actuated door

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Purpose of research. Evaluation the effectiveness UAV automatic landing system on a mobile platform using an infrared beacon based criteria for accuracy and maneuver success at various altitudes. Methods. Modeling process movement complex object (UAV) in Gazebo environment ROS ecosystem. The positioning is mathematical model consisting four pairs emitters. algorithm includes adaptive PID controllers X Y coordinates logo polynomial controller to ensure descent along Z axis. Results. was tested 50 times from heights 5 m, 10 m 15 m. At height time 9.04 seconds (0.504 sec deviation), error 0.18 (0.035 rate 100 %. increased 19.17 (1.78 0.19 (0.036 remained 40.45 (5.502 0.21 (0.046 data distribution became wider, outliers appeared, decreased 92 %, which due signal losses, their attenuation need correct trajectory. Increasing testing impractical decrease probability successful landing. Conclusion. study showed that works effectively UAVs altitudes up providing necessary stability accuracy. above problems arise with loss signals, errors, require improvements reliability

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Electrical communication and charging system for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that allows efficient charging and communication between UAVs and their landing platforms. The system uses magnetic attraction between conductive pins on the UAV and contact surfaces on the landing platform. This provides a reliable and repeatable electrical connection for charging the UAV battery and communicating with the UAV controller. The magnets assist in alignment and retention of the pins on the contacts. The system allows the UAV to automatically dock and charge without manual intervention.

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A fixed positioning and charging system for vehicle-mounted drones on commercial vehicles that allows autonomous drones to land, dock, charge and store on moving vehicles. The system consists of a drone, a docking station with a charging platform, and a storage compartment. The drone has a laser radar and camera for scene recognition. The docking station has a sliding cross-member, belt drive, and positioning laser. The drone identifies objects, lands on the platform, slides into position, and charges wirelessly. The dock folds for storage when not in use. The system enables autonomous drones to assist vehicles in complex driving scenarios by landing, docking, charging, and storing on moving vehicles.

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An automatic patrol drone system for power transmission lines that enables autonomous inspection and charging of drones without human intervention. The system uses drones equipped with 5G connectivity, image recognition, electric field monitoring, and obstacle avoidance, along with power towers outfitted with 5G base stations, energy storage, and wireless charging. The drones use tower-provided 5G coordinates to autonomously navigate and inspect lines. When low on battery, they locate the nearest tower for wireless charging. This allows sustained autonomous patrols without manual piloting or carrying heavy batteries.

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Aerial charging drone group and charging method that enables fast charging of two drones mid-air. The charging group has two drones, one with a retractable charging plug and the other with a retractable socket. The drone with the socket detects low battery and requests a nearby drone with the plug to fly over. The socket drone guides the plug drone to align the charging holes. The plug drone descends and the socket drone moves up to meet. The charging plug extends and connects. The drones then dock for charging. The drone bodies are transparent for visual alignment. Mechanisms move the charging components.

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System to provide power and data communications to drones on overhead power lines using the existing infrastructure. Drones can dock and charge on specialized stations attached to power lines. The stations collect power from the lines, guide drones for accurate landing, and provide data services. They can also communicate with drones wirelessly. The stations process drone data and relay it back. This allows drones to fly long distances without batteries and access remote areas.

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Automatic drone loading/unloading system for vehicles using geofencing to enable autonomous docking and undocking of drones. The system involves a geofencing unit at the vehicle docking station and a geofencing unit on the drone. The station unit sets a geofence around the docking area with parameters like location, vehicle height, and drone hover altitude. The drone unit receives this geofence info and the docking station communicates with the drone to perform autonomous takeoff/landing inside the geofenced area. This allows the drone to dock and undock without manual intervention.

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A docking system for vertical take-off and landing drones that allows stable take-off and landing without requiring a separate latching or alignment device. The system uses a landing portion on the drone with a horned or pyramidal shape that aligns with and mounts onto a docking portion with a matching shape. The horned/pyramidal landing portion interlocks with the docking portion to securely hold the drone in place during take-off and landing.

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Charging, storing, programming and launching multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in an efficient and automated way. It involves using specialized charging containers that mechanically hold and electrically connect the UAVs for simultaneous charging. The containers also identify the stored UAVs and communicate their identities to a central control system. The central system can then transmit role instructions to the containers, which distribute them to the UAVs. Countdown timers initiate automated takeoffs to perform their assigned roles. The storage containers provide a secure and organized system for managing large numbers of UAVs.

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Shutdown device and unmanned aerial vehicle system that enables automatic charging of drones during docking. The system has a parking area with an extendable push rod that moves the drone to a charging position. The push rod has a charging head that connects to the drone's side charging port. When the drone docks, the push rod extends and the head aligns with the drone's side charging port for automatic connection and charging.

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An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) docking station that allows UAVs to land and dock in mid-air without needing to land on the ground. The docking station has a platform with locking mechanisms to securely connect with the UAV. The platform may also have charging contacts to provide power to the UAV while docked. This allows the UAV to recharge mid-air without landing on the ground. The station can have multiple docks with storage bins for swapping batteries. It aims to reduce noise and danger compared to ground landings.

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An automated docking, recharging and data transfer system for drones that enables autonomous charging, payload replenishment and data exchange when docked. The system uses a secure docking platform that a drone can autonomously land on. The platform mechanically locks the drone in place, recharges the battery, refills the payload, and transfers data. This allows drones to operate autonomously for extended periods without human intervention.

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High-altitude precision docking of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for efficient mid-air recharging. The method involves autonomous docking of a UAV with a high-altitude parking compartment using sensors and positioning systems. The compartment has a recharging module to replenish the UAV's battery. The UAV locates the compartment, descends, and docks accurately using a lifting motor, slide motor, and switch. This enables mid-air recharging at high altitudes where other methods like solar or laser charging are impractical.

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Automated charging and docking system for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to increase endurance without manual intervention. The system uses a nest with a parking bay for the UAVs. The nest has a controller, power supply, and communications. The UAVs can autonomously enter and charge by connecting to external contacts on the top and bottom of the nest. The nest moves the UAVs into position using hydraulic or electric cylinders. The controller monitors the UAVs and can initiate docking and charging. This allows UAVs to be fully automated from takeoff to landing, including charging, without human intervention.

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Docking stations for drones on overhead power lines that enable charging and data communication with drones. The stations harvest power from the power line using current transformers. Drones have docking units to securely connect and charge. The stations communicate with drones for guided landing. They also collect drone data and send to a remote platform for processing. This provides drone surveillance, monitoring, and maintenance on power lines using existing infrastructure.

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Automated charging and storage system for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that enables extended endurance and autonomous operation. The system consists of a nest with a cabin to house the UAVs, a separate controller cabin, and a power supply system. The UAVs can autonomously dock in the nest and charge their batteries using the power supply. This eliminates the need for manual charging and reduces the overall downtime between flights. The controller cabin allows remote monitoring and management of the nest.

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An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) charging platform that enables autonomous and accurate charging of UAVs. The platform has a main body, charging device, deck, and an adjustment mechanism. The UAV lands on the deck and the mechanism captures and fixes it. The mechanism can rotate the UAV to align it with the charging device. This allows the UAV to autonomously find and dock with the platform for charging without human intervention.

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Automatic drone landing, charging, and takeoff station that aligns and charges the drone without human intervention. The station has a landing site with guidance marks and a central power terminal. When a drone lands off-center, alignment guides move it. The station camera recognizes marks and guides the drone. It also has a cover, solar panel, emergency power, and cooling. When closed, the cover prevents rain. The station aligns and connects the drone's charging terminal to the central power terminal for automated charging.

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A landing self-charging drone station that allows autonomous charging of drones without manual intervention. The station has a charging pile inside a base and a magnetic connector on the drone's bottom. When the drone lands, the magnetic connector attaches to the charging pile, providing power to the drone through the wire. When the drone takes off, the magnetic connection releases. This eliminates the need for manual plugging/unplugging and allows the drone to land, charge, and depart autonomously.

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Intelligent charging system for drones that allows automated and coordinated landing, charging, and takeoff of drones at outdoor charging stations. The system has a charging station with a landing pad, an automated positioning mechanism, and a charging connector. Drones can autonomously find and dock with the charging station. When a drone lands, it sends a request to the station. The station identifies the drone model and moves the connector to the exact location of the drone's charging port. This ensures proper alignment and connection. The drone can then charge. The station has a retractable cable to avoid tangles. The station also has a vacuum pump to suction the drone's landing legs for secure hold. The drone can request takeoff when charged. The station moves the connector back and releases the vacuum. The drone can then take off.

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An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) parking system that enables efficient and safe charging of UAV batteries when landing on charging-enabled aprons. The system uses a mobile charging head with a moveable arm that connects to the UAV's battery. The charging head moves to align with a fixed charging interface on the apron. This allows the UAV to park on the apron and the charging head to connect to the interface for charging. A camera on the UAV can scan a QR code on the apron to align the charging head. The charging head is also equipped with a linear stepper motor to push a connector into the apron interface. This avoids the reliability and safety issues of metal landing gear connections in prior systems.

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Docking station and drone that enables charging and communication between the dock and the drone using a single connection. When the drone lands, the dock sends power to charge it. The dock detects the drone's current and battery state to generate commands for the drone. It sends voltage commands to the connection to change the drone's output voltage. This allows the dock to transmit commands to the drone using voltage changes on the shared connection instead of separate pins.

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Automatic charging station for drones with shock absorption, autonomous docking, and protection. The charging station has a hexagonal docking deck with a protective cover, positioning aid, wireless charger, and controller. The docking deck is suspended on a Stewart mechanism for shock absorption. The positioning aid helps drones land. The controller coordinates charging, cover opening/closing, and protection. The station wirelessly charges drones without manual connection, protects in weather, and absorbs shocks during landing.

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A multi-dimensional shock-absorbing UAV charging station that provides stable and convenient docking and charging for UAVs. The station has a shock-absorbing mechanism, a docking base, and a charging device. The shock-absorbing mechanism uses a Stewart parallel mechanism with limit springs to provide stable and low-vibration landing. The docking base has a telescoping tube with adjustable charging bases on each side. The UAV lands on the base, and the telescoping tube lowers to contact the UAV's charging port. The adjustable charging bases can be raised and lowered, and moved horizontally, to align with the UAV's charging ports. This allows flexible positioning for different UAV models. The charging bases have multiple contacts for fast and efficient charging. The shock-absorbing mechanism and adjustable charging bases provide stable and convenient UAV docking and charging.

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Shared wireless charging docking station for unmanned aerial vehicles that allows multiple UAVs to land and charge simultaneously at a central location. The docking station uses magnetic resonance wireless charging technology to transmit power to UAVs that land within its effective region. The UAVs have wireless charging receivers compatible with the docking station's transmitter. The docking station identifies authorized UAVs and determines residual flight time to prioritize charging. This allows UAVs to extend their range by landing and charging mid-flight instead of returning early.

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Docking system for drones that allows stable landing, charging, and takeoff of drones on floating or installed route markers in the sea. The system has a frame with a rotatable docking unit, guide member, wire reel, power module, and control unit. The docking unit has a weight to engage the drone magnetically. The guide member funnels the drone down, with an opening/closing door. The control unit rotates the guide and reels the wire. The power module charges the drone. The drone lands, docks, charges, and takes off without wind impact.

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Landing platform and deployment system for autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles that enables precise landing, charging, storage, and launch of UAVs without operator intervention. The landing platform has contacts that align with the UAV's charging contacts. A polarity switch connects the contacts to the battery. The UAV's onboard computer detects the landing and initiates alignment. The switch switches polarity for charging. The UAV's landing camera can also scan a QR code on the platform to aid landing. The platform has motors to move the contacts for alignment. It also has a cover that opens to expose the contacts. The UAV's battery charges while docked. The cover closes when flying off. The platform can also have sensors, storage, and meteorological equipment.

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Docking station for agricultural drones that allows rapid charging and repositioning of drones to improve efficiency in agriculture applications. The station has multiple parking spots for drones, each with a charging device below. The station can also have solar panels on top to charge the drones during the day. The drones land on the stations, charge, and then take off again to continue work. This allows drones to quickly recharge instead of continuously flying around crops. The station can also have a wireless charging system for the drones. The station can be mounted on a support column with a fixed anchor in the ground.

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Autonomous drone system with long range capabilities that allows drones to fly long distances without human intervention or refueling. The system involves a drone station in the form of a shipping container that can receive, charge, and store drones. The station has features like extendable arms, rotating platforms, laser rangefinders, and magnetic contacts to automatically connect to and disconnect from drones. The container can house electronics, communications, and security systems. It provides protection, fueling, and data transfer for the drones. The container dimensions match shipping container sizes for transportation. The station network can coordinate drone landing, charging, and takeoff using a central control tower.

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A docking system for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that allows the UAVs to automatically dock and undock from a stationary docking station without complex navigation or positioning systems. The docking station is mounted on a ceiling or shelf while the UAV is secured to the bottom section from below, closer to the ground. The UAV is released from the magnetic docking connection by activating a module inside the UAV to reduce or cancel the magnetic connection.

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A docking charging system for drones that enables autonomous charging without precise docking. The system has a docking module with elastic ropes and pillars, an adjustment module with rope climbing motors and barriers, a charging module with wireless charging, and a control module. The drone lands on the elastic ropes and the adjustment module finds and moves it to the charging area using the motors and barriers. The control module coordinates the motors. This allows the drone to roughly park and the system automatically positions it for wireless charging.

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Wireless charging system for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that enables automated, contactless charging of UAVs without plugs. The UAVs have wireless charging coils at their feet. Charging platforms have coils at specific locations. When a low battery warning is received, the UAV autonomously lands on the platform, aligns with the coils, and charges wirelessly. A central processor guides landing and positioning. A shock absorber protects components during landing.

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Active guided drone docking station that automatically lands and centers drones for charging and maintenance. The docking station has a covered enclosure, a landing plate, a gantry robot, and a lift. The gantry robot moves the landing plate left/right and up/down to position the drone. Sensors detect drone location and landing. After landing, the robot centers the drone. This enables precise landing even in wind and allows automated charging by moving the drone over contacts.

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An aerial drone charging station device that enables wireless charging of drones to improve efficiency and enable longer flights. The station has a docking base with a wireless charging module, a power supply, and a position module. The drone's wireless charging circuit connects to the module when it lands. The station has a controller, signal transceiver, and sensors to locate and charge drones. It also has a safety cover to protect against weather. The station finds and charges drones automatically, allowing them to refuel quickly and extend flight time.

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Coordinating multiple autonomous drones during landing to prevent collisions and optimize battery charging. The system involves having each drone share its identification, position, battery level, and delivery destination. Landing points are set and drones are guided based on distance and battery level. If a drone with low battery approaches a landing point already occupied by another drone with high battery, the system can swap their landing spots to conserve battery charge. The ground landing devices share drone info to enable this coordination.

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An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) docking system that allows charging of drones mid-air. The system has a capture unit with a module that can dock and capture a corresponding module on the drone. When the modules pair, the drone is held and charged simultaneously through interfaces on the capture unit and drone modules. This allows extended flight time by avoiding the need for landing to recharge.

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