U.S. patent application number 15/004219 was filed with the patent office on 2017-07-27 for power source element replacement during vehicle operation.
The applicant listed for this patent is INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Guillaume Hoareau, Johannes J. Liebenberg, John G. Musial, Todd R. Whitman.
Application Number | 20170210355 15/004219 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59350531 |
Filed Date | 2017-07-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170210355 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hoareau; Guillaume ; et
al. |
July 27, 2017 |
POWER SOURCE ELEMENT REPLACEMENT DURING VEHICLE OPERATION
Abstract
A method and apparatus for replacing a power source element is
provided. The method includes enabling a first vehicle comprising a
first power source apparatus comprising a first multiple
compartment housing comprising a first plurality of receptacles
retaining a first plurality of power source elements, a controller,
and a communication interface. The first vehicle receives a
notification indicating that a second vehicle requires replacement
of a power source element of a second plurality of power source
elements within a second power source apparatus of the second
vehicle. The first vehicle is directed to a current location of the
second vehicle and the first vehicle is docked to the second
vehicle. The power source element of the second vehicle is replaced
with a fully charged power source element of the first plurality of
power source elements from the first vehicle during operation of
the first vehicle and the second vehicle.
Inventors: |
Hoareau; Guillaume;
(Montpellier, FR) ; Liebenberg; Johannes J.;
(Sandton, ZA) ; Musial; John G.; (Newburgh,
NY) ; Whitman; Todd R.; (Bethany, CT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION |
ARMONK |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
59350531 |
Appl. No.: |
15/004219 |
Filed: |
January 22, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01M 10/425 20130101;
Y02E 60/10 20130101; Y02T 10/70 20130101; G05D 1/0202 20130101;
H01M 2010/4271 20130101; B60L 53/80 20190201; B64C 39/024 20130101;
G05D 1/0278 20130101; H01M 2220/20 20130101; B64D 1/02 20130101;
Y02T 10/7072 20130101; Y02T 90/16 20130101; B64C 2201/128 20130101;
H01M 2/1016 20130101; H01M 10/4207 20130101; H01M 2010/4278
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60S 5/06 20060101
B60S005/06; B64C 39/02 20060101 B64C039/02; H01M 10/42 20060101
H01M010/42; G05D 1/02 20060101 G05D001/02 |
Claims
1. A vehicle power source replacement method comprising: enabling a
first vehicle comprising a power source apparatus and a first power
source apparatus attached to said first vehicle, wherein said power
source apparatus comprises a plurality of power source elements
configured to supply power to said first vehicle independently
without requiring power supplied by any other power source element
of said plurality of power source elements, wherein said first
power source apparatus comprises: a first multiple compartment
housing comprising a first plurality of receptacles retaining a
first plurality of power source elements within said first
plurality of receptacles, a controller connected to said first
plurality of power source elements, and a communication interface
communicatively coupled to said controller, and wherein each power
source element of said first plurality of power source elements
resides within a power source capsule comprising a tapered shape
for placement within a receptacle; receiving, by said first
vehicle, a notification indicating that a second vehicle requires
replacement of at least one power source element of a second
plurality of power source elements within a second power source
apparatus of said second vehicle, wherein said second plurality of
power source elements supply power to said second vehicle
independently without requiring power supplied by any other power
source element of said second plurality of power source elements;
directing, by said controller in response to said notification,
said first vehicle to a current location of said second vehicle,
wherein said directing comprises: receiving, by said controller,
geographical coordinates for said current location of said second
vehicle, and determining, by said controller based on said
geographical coordinates, said current location; docking said first
vehicle to said second vehicle, wherein said docking said first
vehicle to said second vehicle comprises: aligning a first
alignment mechanism of said first multiple compartment housing
directly over a second alignment mechanism of said second multiple
compartment housing, wherein said first alignment mechanism
comprises a tapered pin comprising a tapered shape, and wherein
said second alignment mechanism comprises an alignment hole; and
directing said first vehicle to said second vehicle such that said
taped pin is placed within said alignment hole causing said first
alignment mechanism to be coupled to said second alignment
mechanism; and replacing, by said first vehicle during operation of
said first vehicle and said second vehicle, said at least one power
source element of said second vehicle with a fully charged power
source element of said first plurality of power source elements
from said first vehicle, wherein said first power source apparatus
comprises a rotation apparatus, wherein said first multiple
compartment housing comprises a fixed outer portion and an inner
rotating portion comprised by said first multiple compartment
housing, wherein said second power source apparatus comprises a
second multiple compartment housing comprising a second plurality
of receptacles retaining said second plurality of power source
elements within said second plurality of receptacles, and wherein
said replacing comprises: rotating, by said rotation apparatus,
said inner rotating portion such that a vacant receptacle of said
first plurality of receptacles is directly aligned over a second
receptacle of said second plurality of receptacles, said second
receptacle comprising said at least one power source element of
said second vehicle; retrieving, by a power source replacement
mechanism of said first power source apparatus, said at least one
power source element of said second vehicle from said second
receptacle; placing, by said power source replacement mechanism, a
tapered end of at least one power source capsule comprising said at
least one power source element of said second vehicle within said
vacant receptacle; rotating, by said rotation apparatus, said inner
rotating portion such that a replacement receptacle of said first
plurality of receptacles is directly aligned over said second
receptacle of said second plurality of receptacles, said
replacement receptacle comprising said fully charged power source
element; and transferring, by said power source replacement
mechanism via a tapered end of a first power source capsule
comprising said fully charged power source element, said fully
charged power source element from said replacement receptacle to
said second receptacle.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: undocking said first
vehicle from said second vehicle during said operation of said
first vehicle and said second vehicle.
3-4. (canceled)
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining, by said
controller based on a received determined power level reading of
said at least one power source element of said second vehicle, an
order for replacement for said at least one power source element of
said second vehicle with respect to each of said second plurality
of power source elements.
6. The method of claim 5, further comprising: receiving, by said
controller, replacement data specifying a replacement history of
said second plurality of power source elements, wherein said order
for replacement is further based on said replacement data.
7. The method of claim 5, further comprising: receiving, by said
controller, discharge data specifying a rate of power discharge for
each of said second plurality of power source elements, and wherein
said order for replacement is further based on said discharge
data.
8. (canceled)
9. A computer program product, comprising a computer readable
hardware storage device storing a computer readable program code,
said computer readable program code comprising an algorithm that
when executed by a processor implements a vehicle power source
replacement method, said method comprising: enabling a first
vehicle comprising a power source apparatus and a first power
source apparatus attached to said first vehicle, wherein said power
source apparatus comprises a plurality of power source elements
configured to supply power to said first vehicle independently
without requiring power supplied by any other power source element
of said plurality of power source elements, wherein said first
power source apparatus comprises: a first multiple compartment
housing comprising a first plurality of receptacles retaining a
first plurality of power source elements within said first
plurality of receptacles, a controller connected to said first
plurality of power source elements, and a communication interface
communicatively coupled to said controller, and wherein each power
source element of said first plurality of power source elements
resides within a power source capsule comprising a tapered shape
for placement within a receptacle; receiving, by said first
vehicle, a notification indicating that a second vehicle requires
replacement of at least one power source element of a second
plurality of power source elements within a second power source
apparatus of said second vehicle, wherein said second plurality of
power source elements supply power to said second vehicle
independently without requiring power supplied by any other power
source element of said second plurality of power source elements;
directing, by said controller in response to said notification,
said first vehicle to a current location of said second vehicle,
wherein said directing comprises: receiving, by said controller,
geographical coordinates for said current location of said second
vehicle, and determining, by said controller based on said
geographical coordinates, said current location; docking said first
vehicle to said second vehicle, wherein said docking said first
vehicle to said second vehicle comprises: aligning a first
alignment mechanism of said first multiple compartment housing
directly over a second alignment mechanism of said second multiple
compartment housing, wherein said first alignment mechanism
comprises a tapered pin comprising a tapered shape, and wherein
said second alignment mechanism comprises an alignment hole; and
directing said first vehicle to said second vehicle such that said
taped pin is placed within said alignment hole causing said first
alignment mechanism to be coupled to said second alignment
mechanism; and replacing, by said first vehicle during operation of
said first vehicle and said second vehicle, said at least one power
source element of said second vehicle with a fully charged power
source element of said first plurality of power source elements
from said first vehicle, wherein said first power source apparatus
comprises a rotation apparatus, wherein said first multiple
compartment housing comprises a fixed outer portion and an inner
rotating portion comprised by said first multiple compartment
housing, wherein said second power source apparatus comprises a
second multiple compartment housing comprising a second plurality
of receptacles retaining said second plurality of power source
elements within said second plurality of receptacles, and wherein
said replacing comprises: rotating, by said rotation apparatus,
said inner rotating portion such that a vacant receptacle of said
first plurality of receptacles is directly aligned over a second
receptacle of said second plurality of receptacles, said second
receptacle comprising said at least one power source element of
said second vehicle; retrieving, by a power source replacement
mechanism of said first power source apparatus, said at least one
power source element of said second vehicle from said second
receptacle; placing, by said power source replacement mechanism, a
tapered end of at least one power source capsule comprising said at
least one power source element of said second vehicle within said
vacant receptacle; rotating, by said rotation apparatus, said inner
rotating portion such that a replacement receptacle of said first
plurality of receptacles is directly aligned over said second
receptacle of said second plurality of receptacles, said
replacement receptacle comprising said fully charged power source
element; and transferring, by said power source replacement
mechanism via a tapered end of a first power source capsule
comprising said fully charged power source element, said fully
charged power source element from said replacement receptacle to
said second receptacle.
10. The computer program product of claim 9, wherein said method
further comprises: undocking said first vehicle from said second
vehicle during said operation of said first vehicle and said second
vehicle.
11-12. (canceled)
13. The computer program product of claim 9, wherein said method
further comprises: determining, by said controller based on a
received determined power level reading of said at least one power
source element of said second vehicle, an order for replacement for
said at least one power source element of said second vehicle with
respect to each of said second plurality of power source
elements.
14. The computer program product of claim 13, wherein said method
further comprises: receiving, by said controller, replacement data
specifying a replacement history of said second plurality of power
source elements, wherein said order for replacement is further
based on said replacement data.
15. The computer program product of claim 13, wherein said method
further comprises: receiving, by said controller, discharge data
specifying a rate of power discharge for each of said second
plurality of power source elements, and wherein said order for
replacement is further based on said discharge data.
16. (canceled)
17. A vehicle power source apparatus comprising: a multiple
compartment housing comprising a fixed outer portion and an inner
rotating portion comprising a plurality of receptacles configured
to retain power source elements for supplying power to a vehicle,
wherein said multiple compartment housing is configured to be
physically attached to said vehicle; a plurality of power source
elements within said plurality of receptacles, wherein each power
source element of said plurality of power source elements resides
within a power source capsule comprising a tapered shape for
placement within an associated receptacle of said plurality of
receptacles; a controller; a power source replacement mechanism
configured to replace, in response to a command from said
controller and during operation of said vehicle and an additional
vehicle, a power source element from said additional vehicle with a
fully charged power source element of said plurality of power
source elements of said vehicle, wherein said controller is
configured to direct, in response to a replacement notification,
the vehicle to a current location of said additional vehicle, and
wherein a directing process comprises receiving geographical
coordinates for the current location of the additional vehicle, and
determining, based on the geographical coordinates, the current
location; an alignment mechanism comprising a tapered pin
comprising a tapered shape, wherein said tapered pin is configured
to be placed within an alignment hole of a second alignment
mechanism of said additional vehicle causing said first alignment
mechanism to be coupled to said second alignment mechanism; and a
rotation apparatus configured to rotate in response to a command
from said controller, said inner rotating portion such that a
receptacle of said plurality of receptacles is directly aligned,
via said tapered pin being be placed within said alignment hole,
over an additional receptacle of a second plurality of receptacles
of said additional vehicle requiring replacement of said power
source element with said fully charged power source element.
18. (canceled)
19. The vehicle power source apparatus of claim 17, wherein said
vehicle and said additional vehicle do not require a human operator
to be located within said vehicle and said additional vehicle.
20. The vehicle power source apparatus of claim 17, further
comprising: an additional vehicle power source apparatus configured
to be physically attached to said vehicle, wherein said additional
power source apparatus comprises an additional plurality of power
source elements configured to supply power to said vehicle
independently without requiring power supplied by any other power
source element of said additional plurality of power source
elements.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for
replacing power source elements of a vehicle and in particular to
an apparatus and associated method for using a first vehicle to
replace power source elements for a second vehicle during operation
of both vehicles.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Current vehicles requiring power are typically associated
with a limited operational time frame. Limited operational time
frames typically result in an interruption of current activities
thereby preventing completion of operational tasks. Accordingly,
there exists a need in the art to overcome at least some of the
deficiencies and limitations described herein above.
SUMMARY
[0003] A first aspect of the invention provides a vehicle power
source replacement method comprising: enabling a first vehicle
comprising a power source apparatus and a first power source
apparatus attached to the first vehicle, wherein the power source
apparatus comprises a plurality of power source elements configured
to supply power to the first vehicle independently without
requiring power supplied by any other power source element of the
plurality of power source elements, wherein the first power source
apparatus comprises: a first multiple compartment housing
comprising a first plurality of receptacles retaining a first
plurality of power source elements within the first plurality of
receptacles, a controller connected to the first plurality of power
source elements, and a communication interface communicatively
coupled to the controller; receiving, by the first vehicle, a
notification indicating that a second vehicle requires replacement
of at least one power source element of a second plurality of power
source elements within a second power source apparatus of the
second vehicle, wherein the second plurality of power source
elements supply power to the second vehicle independently without
requiring power supplied by any other power source of the second
plurality of power sources; directing, by the controller in
response to the notification, the first vehicle to a current
location of the second vehicle; docking the first vehicle to the
second vehicle; replacing, by the first vehicle during operation of
the first vehicle and the second vehicle, the at least one power
source element of the second vehicle with a fully charged power
source element of the first plurality of power source elements from
the first vehicle.
[0004] A second aspect of the invention provides a computer program
product, comprising a computer readable hardware storage device
storing a computer readable program code, the computer readable
program code comprising an algorithm that when executed by a
processor implements a vehicle power source replacement method, the
method comprising: enabling a first vehicle comprising a power
source apparatus and a first power source apparatus attached to the
first vehicle, wherein the power source apparatus comprises a
plurality of power source elements configured to supply power to
the first vehicle independently without requiring power supplied by
any other power source element of the plurality of power source
elements, wherein the first power source apparatus comprises: a
first multiple compartment housing comprising a first plurality of
receptacles retaining a first plurality of power source elements
within the first plurality of receptacles, a controller connected
to the first plurality of power source elements, and a
communication interface communicatively coupled to the controller;
receiving, by the first vehicle, a notification indicating that a
second vehicle requires replacement of at least one power source
element of a second plurality of power source elements within a
second power source apparatus of the second vehicle, wherein the
second plurality of power source elements supply power to the
second vehicle independently without requiring power supplied by
any other power source of the second plurality of power sources;
directing, by the controller in response to the notification, the
first vehicle to a current location of the second vehicle; docking
the first vehicle to the second vehicle; and replacing, by the
first vehicle during operation of the first vehicle and the second
vehicle, the at least one power source element of the second
vehicle with a fully charged power source element of the first
plurality of power source elements from the first vehicle.
[0005] A third aspect of the invention provides a vehicle power
source apparatus comprising: a multiple compartment housing
comprising a fixed outer portion and a rotating portion comprising
a plurality of receptacles configured to retain power source
elements for supplying power to a vehicle, wherein the multiple
compartment housing is configured to be physically attached to the
vehicle; a plurality of power source elements within the plurality
of receptacles; a controller; and a power source replacement
mechanism configured to replace, in response to a command from the
controller and during operation of the vehicle and an additional
vehicle, a power source element from the additional vehicle with a
fully charged power source element of the plurality of power source
elements of the vehicle.
[0006] The present invention advantageously provides a simple
method and associated system capable of supplying power to
vehicles.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a system for replacing power source
elements in vehicles during operation of the vehicles, in
accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates a vehicle power source apparatus enabled
by the system of FIG. 1 for accepting replacement power source
elements in a vehicle during operation of the vehicle, in
accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates a vehicle power source apparatus enabled
by the system of FIG. 1 for replacing power source elements in a
secondary vehicle during operation of the secondary vehicle, in
accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart detailing a process enabled
by the system of FIG. 1 for replacing power source elements in a
vehicle during operation of the vehicle, in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates a first vehicle docked to a second
vehicle for replacement of power source elements, in accordance
with embodiments of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates a power source element residing within a
power source capsule, in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention.
[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates a power source element/power source
capsule, in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative power source element/power
source capsule, in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention.
[0015] FIG. 9 illustrates a computer system used by the system of
FIG. 1 for enabling a process for replacing power source elements
in a vehicle during operation of the vehicle, in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for replacing power source
elements in a vehicle 14a during operation of vehicle 14a, in
accordance with embodiments of the present invention. System 100
enables a process for utilizing multiple power source elements for
14a vehicle such that vehicle 14a includes a multiple compartment
housing (e.g., at a center of gravity of the vehicle retaining the
multiple power source elements) such that the power source elements
may be replaced and exchanged with fully charged power source
elements (from a vehicle 14b) during operation of the vehicles 14a
and 14b. Vehicles 14a and 14b may each comprise any vehicle that
does not require a human operator to be located within the vehicles
14a and 14b such as, inter alia, a remote controlled vehicle (e.g.,
an aircraft flown by a pilot at a ground control station), an
autonomously controlled vehicle (e.g., an aircraft controlled based
on pre-programmed flight plans and may include an intelligence
algorithm that would enable vehicle 14 to know it's location and
self-determine a route to join with a second vehicle dynamically),
a pre-programmed vehicle, etc. Alternatively, vehicles 14a and 14b
may comprise any type of vehicle that includes a human operator
located within vehicles 14a and 14b (e.g., an aircraft, an
automobile, a boat or ship, a train, etc.). Vehicles 14a and 14b
may include, inter alia, an aerial vehicle, a land based vehicle, a
marine (water) based vehicle, etc. Power source elements may
include any type of (portable) power source element including,
inter alia, a battery, a fuel cell, etc. A power source element may
comprise a power source (e.g., a battery) placed within a power
source capsule (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 6). Alternatively, a
power source element may comprise a specially shaped power source
(e.g., a battery) without the power source capsule.
[0017] System 100 allows vehicle 14a to utilize a series of power
source elements (e.g., power supplies) to power vehicle 14a for
operation. System 100 enables vehicle 14a to draw power (e.g., a
direct current voltage) from multiple power source elements that
would extend an operational (e.g., flying) time, range, and
delivery capacity for vehicle 14a. Additionally, system 100 enables
one or more power source elements (optionally comprising a
specified shape) to be used as replacement power source elements
(the replacement power source elements may be located in a separate
multi compartment housing from a housing retaining power source
elements for powering vehicle 14a as described with respect to FIG.
5, infra) to replace discharged power source elements of vehicle
14b during operation of vehicles 14a and 14b. For example, a power
source element may be guided (from a multi compartment housing of
vehicle 14a) into an open chamber(s) or receptacle(s) in a multiple
compartment power source housing of vehicle 14b. A conical power
source element shape (i.e., tapered on both ends as illustrated in
FIG. 6-8) enable multiple vehicle in-operation power source element
exchange such that when inserting or extracting power source
elements under in-operation conditions (e.g., vibrations, wind,
inertia, etc.), an opening of a power source receptacle comprise a
be greater size than an insertion end of an associated power source
element to compensate for in-operation conditions. Additionally, a
power source element (or associated housing) may comprise a guide
hole design (an alignment mechanism) to allow docking and alignment
via a tapered pin (an alignment mechanism) alignment method for
compatible units. A power source element may comprise any shape
such that a housing may encapsulate industry standard power source
elements or any newly manufactured power source element
designs.
[0018] System 100 of FIG. 1 includes an external system 15, a
vehicle control system 18, and a GPS system 21 connected through a
network to a vehicle 14a and a vehicle 14b. Vehicle 14a
retrieves/generates GPS coordinates based data (from GPS system 21)
in response to a determination that vehicle 14b requires
replacement of at least one power source element. The GPS
coordinates based data are analyzed (by external system 15) to
determine exact coordinates for vehicle 14b requiring replacement
of at least one power source element. Vehicle 14a and 14b, external
system 15, control system 18, and GPS system 21 each may comprise
an embedded computer. An embedded computer is defined herein as a
remotely portable dedicated computer comprising a combination of
computer hardware and software (fixed in capability or
programmable) specifically designed for executing a specialized
function. Programmable embedded computers may comprise specialized
programming interfaces. Additionally, vehicle 14a and 14b, external
system 15, control system 18, and GPS system 21 may each comprise a
specialized hardware device comprising specialized (non-generic)
hardware and circuitry (i.e., specialized discrete non-generic
analog, digital, and logic based circuitry) for executing a process
described with respect to FIG. 4. The specialized discrete
non-generic analog, digital, and logic based circuitry may include
proprietary specially designed components (e.g., a specialized
integrated circuit designed for only implementing an automated
process for enabling a process for replacing power source elements
in vehicle 14b during operation of the vehicles 14a and 14b.
Vehicle 14a includes a memory system 8a, software 17a, and
dedicated monitoring hardware 19a (all sensors and associated
monitoring hardware for enabling software 17a to execute a process
for replacing power source elements in a vehicle during operation
of the vehicle power such as, inter alia, power level detection
circuitry, GPS sensors, temperature sensors, pressure sensors,
etc.). The memory system 8a may include a single memory system.
Alternatively, the memory system 8a may include a plurality of
memory systems. Vehicle 14b includes a memory system 8b, software
17b, and dedicated monitoring hardware 19b (all sensors and
associated monitoring hardware for enabling software 17b to execute
a process for replacing power source elements in a vehicle during
operation of the vehicle power such as, inter alia, power level
detection circuitry, GPS sensors, temperature sensors, pressure
sensors, etc.). The memory system 8b may include a single memory
system. Alternatively, the memory system 8b may include a plurality
of memory systems. Network 7 may include any type of network
including, inter alia, a local area network, (LAN), a wide area
network (WAN), the Internet, a wireless network, etc.
[0019] The multiple compartment housings attached to vehicles 14a
and 14b of system 100 may include power supply strength indicators
(presenting a charge level percentage) for each receptacle to
determine an order in which power source elements should be
replaced or used for replacement (i.e., an order of replacement).
Each multiple compartment housing may verify each time a power
source element is installed (or used for installation) by detecting
a power level and maintaining a discharge history for each power
source element (e.g., a burn rate) to determine the order of
replacement. GPS positioning data may be used to determine current
location coordinates.
[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a vehicle power source apparatus 200
enabled by system 100 of FIG. 1 for accepting replacement power
source elements in a vehicle during operation of the vehicle, in
accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Vehicle power
source apparatus 200 is associated with vehicle 14a of FIG. 1.
Vehicle power source apparatus 200 comprises a multiple compartment
housing 212 (configured to be physically attached to vehicle 14a of
FIG. 1), power source elements 202a . . . 202n, and control
hardware 210. Multiple compartment housing 212 comprises
receptacles 201a . . . 201n retaining power source elements 202a .
. . 202n for supplying power to a vehicle (e.g., vehicle 14a of
FIG. 1). The multiple compartment housing is configured to be
physically attached to a vehicle. Multiple compartment housing 212
may be positioned above a center mass of a vehicle (e.g., an
aircraft) such that it may be attached to a bottom portion of the
vehicle thereby preventing interference with moving parts such as
propellers. Multiple compartment housing 212 may be aligned with a
multiple compartment housing of another vehicle (e.g., multiple
compartment housing 312 of FIG. 3 comprising replacement power
source elements) via alignment holes 205a . . . 205n. A design of
multiple compartment housing 212 enables a distribution of power
source elements 202a . . . 202n to balance an associated weight
such that not every receptacle requires a power source element. The
power source elements 202a . . . 202n are retained within
receptacles 201a . . . 201n and electrically connected to an input
power coupler for electrical connection to the vehicle such that
each power source element (or grouping of power source elements) is
configured to supply power to the vehicle independently without
requiring power supplied by any other power source element such
that power source elements may be replaced during operation of the
vehicle.
[0021] Control hardware 210 comprises specialized hardware
configured to implement a process for accepting replacement power
source elements for a vehicle during operation of the vehicle.
Control hardware 210 comprises a controller connected to power
source elements 202a . . . 202n, a communication interface, a
charge strength percentage indicator, and a global positioning
satellite (GPS) receiver. The controller is configured to monitor a
power level of each power source element and generate a power level
reading for each power level. The power level readings may be used
to determine an order for replacement of each power source element.
The order for replacement may be determined based on generated
replacement data specifying a replacement history of each power
source element. Additionally, the order for replacement may be
determined based on generated discharge data specifying a rate of
power discharge for each power source element. The controller is
further configured to determine a replacement requirement action
for replacing each power source element based on a remaining power
charge level percentage determined from charge level readings for
each power source elements.
[0022] The communication interface is communicatively coupled to
the controller and an external system (e.g., external system 15 of
FIG. 1). The communication interface is configured to retrieve each
power level reading from the controller and transmit each power
level reading to the external system. Additionally, the
communication interface is configured to transmit a message
indicating a replacement requirement action to the external
system.
[0023] The charge strength percentage indicators are connected to
each power source element in each receptacle to present a current
charge level percentage reading for power source element.
[0024] The GPS receiver is communicatively connected to the
controller and is configured to receive geographical coordinates
from a satellite to determine (based on retrieved geographical
coordinates) a current location for vehicle power source apparatus
200. The GPS receiver is further enabled too receive additional
geographical coordinates from the satellite to determine a current
location for a power source element replacement location for
replacing each power source element. The current location is
determined based on a current location for vehicle power source
apparatus 200 and a predicted range for vehicle power source
apparatus 200 and the f power source elements with respect to the
current location for the power source replacement element. The
controller may additionally determine an estimated time of arrival
for vehicle power source apparatus 200 arriving at a power source
replacement location based on the predicted range.
[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates a vehicle power source apparatus 300
enabled by system 100 of FIG. 1 for replacing power source elements
in a secondary vehicle during operation of the secondary vehicle,
in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Vehicle
power source apparatus 300 is associated with vehicle 14b of FIG.
1. Vehicle power source apparatus 300 comprises a multiple
compartment housing 312 (comprising a fixed outer portion 312a and
a rotating inner portion 312b), power source elements 302a . . .
302n, and control hardware 310. Multiple compartment housing 312
comprises receptacles 301a . . . 301n retaining replacement power
source elements 202a . . . 202n for replacing power source elements
for a vehicle (e.g., vehicle 14a of FIG. 1). The multiple
compartment housing is configured to be physically attached to a
vehicle. Multiple compartment housing 312 may be positioned above a
center mass of a vehicle (e.g., an aircraft) such that it may be
attached to a bottom or top portion of the vehicle thereby
preventing interference with moving parts such as propellers.
Multiple compartment housing 312 may be aligned with a multiple
compartment housing of another vehicle (e.g., multiple compartment
housing 212 of FIG. 2 comprising power source elements requiring
replacement) via alignment holes 305a . . . 305n. A design of
multiple compartment housing 312 enables a distribution of power
source elements 302a . . . 302n to balance an associated weight
such that not every receptacle requires a power source element. The
power source elements 302a . . . 302n are retained within
receptacles 301a . . . 301n and electrically connected to an input
power coupler for electrical connection to the vehicle such that
each power source element (or grouping of power source elements) is
configured to supply power to the vehicle independently without
requiring power supplied by any other power source element such
that power source elements may be replaced during operation of the
vehicle. Alternatively, an additional multiple compartment housing
comprising additional power source elements for powering an
associated vehicle thereby allowing multiple compartment housing
312 to use power source elements 302a . . . 302n for replacement
power source elements only.
[0026] Control hardware 310 comprises specialized hardware
configured to implement a process for replacing power source
elements in a vehicle during operation of the vehicle. Control
hardware 210 comprises a controller connected to power source
elements 202a . . . 202n, a communication interface, and a global
positioning satellite (GPS) receiver. The controller is configured
to receive replacement commands and enable a rotation apparatus
(e.g., a motor) to rotate rotating inner portion 312b such that a
receptacle of receptacles 301a . . . 301n is directly aligned over
an additional receptacle (e.g., of receptacles 201a . . . 201n of
FIG. 2) of another vehicle requiring replacement of a discharged
power source element with a fully charged power source element.
Additionally, the controller is configured to monitor a power level
of each power source element and generate a power level reading for
each power level. The power level readings may be used to specify
power source elements to be used as replacements.
[0027] The communication interface is communicatively coupled to
control hardware 310 and an external system (e.g., external system
15 of FIG. 1). The communication interface is configured to
retrieve commands and GPS coordinates associated with a vehicle
requiring replacement power source elements. Additionally, the
communication interface is configured to receive a message
indicating a replacement requirement action from the external
system.
[0028] The GPS receiver is communicatively connected to the
controller and is configured to receive geographical coordinates
from a satellite to determine (based on retrieved geographical
coordinates) a current location for a vehicle power source
apparatus requiring replacement power source elements. The GPS
receiver is further enabled too receive additional geographical
coordinates from the satellite to determine a current location for
a power source element replacement location for replacing each
power source element. The current location is determined based on a
current location for a vehicle requiring replacement power source
elements and an associated predicted range for power source
elements with respect to the current location for the power source
replacement element. The controller may additionally determine an
estimated time of arrival for a vehicle power source apparatus
arriving at a power source replacement location based on the
predicted range.
[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart detailing a process enabled
by system 100 of FIG. 1 for replacing power source elements in a
vehicle during operation of the vehicle, in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention. Each of the steps in the
algorithm of FIG. 4 may be enabled and executed in any order by a
computer processor(s) executing computer code. In step 300, a first
vehicle (e.g., vehicle 14b of FIG. 1) is enabled (e.g., initiates
flight). The first vehicle comprises a power source apparatus and a
first power source apparatus (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 5,
infra) attached to the first vehicle. The power source apparatus
comprises a plurality of power source elements configured to supply
power to the first vehicle independently without requiring power
supplied by any other power source element. The first power source
apparatus comprises: a first multiple compartment housing
(comprising a first plurality of receptacles retaining a first
plurality of power source elements within the first plurality of
receptacles), a controller connected to the first plurality of
power source elements, and a communication interface
communicatively coupled to the controller. Additionally, the first
power source apparatus may comprise a rotation apparatus and the
first multiple compartment housing may include a rotating portion
comprised by the first multiple compartment housing. In step 402
the first vehicle receives a notification indicating that a second
vehicle (e.g., vehicle 14a of FIG. 1) requires replacement of at
least one power source element within a second power source
apparatus of the second vehicle. The second power source apparatus
comprises a second multiple compartment housing comprising a second
plurality of receptacles retaining the second plurality of power
sources within the second plurality of receptacles. The second
plurality of power source elements supply power to the second
vehicle independently without requiring power supplied by any other
power source element. In step 404, the controller directs (in
response to the notification) the first vehicle to a current
location of the second vehicle. In step 408, the first vehicle is
docked to the second vehicle. The docking process may include:
1. Aligning an alignment pin (an alignment mechanism) of the first
multiple compartment housing directly over an alignment hole (an
alignment mechanism) of the second multiple compartment housing. 2.
Directing the first vehicle to said second vehicle such that the
alignment pin is placed within the alignment hole.
[0030] In optional step 410, the controller determines (based on a
received determined power level reading of the at least one power
source element of the second vehicle, replacement data specifying a
replacement history of the second plurality of power source
elements, and discharge data specifying a rate of power discharge
for each of the second plurality of power source elements) an order
for replacement for the at least one power source element of the
second vehicle with respect to each of the second plurality of
power source elements. In step 412, the at least one power source
element of second vehicle is replaced (during operation of the
first vehicle and the second vehicle) with a fully charged power
source element of the first plurality of power source elements from
the first vehicle. The replacement process may include:
1. Rotating (by the rotation apparatus) the rotating portion such
that a vacant receptacle of the first plurality of receptacles is
directly aligned over a second receptacle (comprising the at least
one power source element of said second vehicle) of the second
plurality of receptacles. 2. Retrieving (by a power source
replacement mechanism (e.g., a piston/solenoid assembly, a motor,
an elongate member, etc.) of the first power source apparatus) the
at least one power source element of the second vehicle from the
second receptacle. 3. Placing (by the power source replacement
mechanism) the said at least one power source element of the second
vehicle within the vacant receptacle. 4. Rotating (by the rotation
apparatus) the rotating portion such that a replacement receptacle
of the first plurality of receptacles is directly aligned over the
second receptacle of the second plurality of receptacles. The
replacement receptacle includes the fully charged power source
element. 5. Transferring (by the power source replacement
mechanism) the fully charged power source element from the
replacement receptacle to the second receptacle.
[0031] In step 414, the first vehicle is undocked from the second
vehicle during operation of the first vehicle and the second
vehicle.
[0032] FIG. 5 illustrates a vehicle 500a (i.e., representing
vehicle 14b of FIG. 1) docked to a vehicle 500b (i.e., representing
vehicle 14a of FIG. 1), in accordance with embodiments of the
present invention. Vehicle 500a comprises an attached vehicle power
source apparatus 505a and an attached vehicle power source
apparatus 505b enabled by system 100 of FIG. 1 for replacing power
source elements in vehicle 500b during operation (e.g., during
flight) of vehicles 500a and 500b. Vehicle power source apparatus
505a comprises power source element(s) for supplying power for
operation to vehicle 500a. Vehicle power source apparatus 505a
comprises power source element(s) for supplying fully charged power
source elements to vehicle 500b. Vehicle 500b comprises an attached
vehicle power source apparatus 505c for supplying power for
operation to vehicle 500b. Attached vehicle power source apparatus
505c is configured to receive fully charged power source elements
from vehicle power source apparatus 505b. Vehicle 400 comprises a
retaining mechanism 507 for retaining a package 508 for
delivery.
[0033] FIG. 6 illustrates a configuration comprising a power source
element 602 residing within a power source capsule 600, in
accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Power source
element 602 may comprise any type of battery residing in a power
source capsule 600. Alternatively, power source element 602 and a
power source capsule 600 in combination may comprise a single power
source element or battery. Power source capsule 600 is configured
to be placed within a receptacle of a multiple compartment housing
(e.g., receptacle 201a of multiple compartment housing 212 of FIG.
2 or receptacle 301a of multiple compartment housing 312 of FIG.
3). Power source capsule 600 may comprise a visual indicator 621
(e.g., a lamp, an LED, etc.) indicting that power source element
602 is discharged and requires replacement. Power source capsule
600 may comprise a first portion 608 electro-magnetically or
mechanically connected (at seam 610) to a second portion 611 such
that first portion 608 may be raised from second portion 611 to
allow for access to/replacement of power source element 602. A
canonical (or any specialized) shape (i.e., as illustrated in FIG.
6) of power source capsule 600 (or a power source element itself)
may facilitate replacement during operation of a vehicle (e.g., in
flight). The specialized shape enables easy replacement of power
source capsule 600 by eliminating issues associated with wind,
vibrations, etc. Power source capsule 600 may be locked into place
within a receptacle and a seal (e.g., an O-ring) may be used to
create a weather-proof seal when power source capsule 600 is locked
into place.
[0034] FIG. 7 illustrates a power source element/power source
capsule 700, in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention. Power source element/power source capsule 700 comprises
mechanical actuators 704a and 704b for retrieving or removing power
source element/power source capsule 700 from an associated
receptacle for replacement. Mechanical actuators 704a and 704b may
comprise, inter alia, a piston mechanism for automatically moving
power source element/power source capsule 700 in directions 721 for
replacement.
[0035] FIG. 8 illustrates a power source element/power source
capsule 800, in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention. Power source element/power source capsule 800 comprises
mechanical actuators 804a and 804b for retrieving or removing power
source element/power source capsule 800 from an associated
receptacle for replacement. Mechanical actuators 804a and 804b may
comprise, inter alia, mechanical resilient structures/devices such
as chains, elongated members, etc. for automatically moving power
source element/power source capsule 800 in directions 821 for
replacement.
[0036] FIG. 9 illustrates a computer system 90 (e.g., external
system 15, vehicle control system 18, GPS system 21, vehicle 14a,
and vehicle 14b of FIG. 1) used by or comprised by the system of
FIG. 1 for enabling a process for replacing power source elements
in vehicles during operation of vehicles 14, in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention.
[0037] Aspects of the present invention may take the form of an
entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment
(including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an
embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all
generally be referred to herein as a "circuit," "module," or
"system."
[0038] The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a
computer program product. The computer program product may include
a computer readable storage medium (or media) having computer
readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to
carry out aspects of the present invention.
[0039] The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible
device that can retain and store instructions for use by an
instruction execution device. The computer readable storage medium
may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage
device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an
electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or
any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of
more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium
includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk,
a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable
programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static
random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only
memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a
floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or
raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon,
and any suitable combination of the foregoing. A computer readable
storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being
transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely
propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves
propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g.,
light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical
signals transmitted through a wire.
[0040] Computer readable program instructions described herein can
be downloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a
computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or
external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a
local area network, a wide area network and/or a wireless network.
The network may comprise copper transmission cables, optical
transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls,
switches, gateway computers and/or edge servers. A network adapter
card or network interface in each computing/processing apparatus
receives computer readable program instructions from the network
and forwards the computer readable program instructions for storage
in a computer readable storage medium within the respective
computing/processing device.
[0041] Computer readable program instructions for carrying out
operations of the present invention may be assembler instructions,
instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine
instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware
instructions, state-setting data, or either source code or object
code written in any combination of one or more programming
languages, including an object oriented programming language such
as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, and conventional procedural
programming languages, such as the "C" programming language or
similar programming languages. The computer readable program
instructions may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on
the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on
the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on
the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote
computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type
of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area
network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external
computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet
Service Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry
including, for example, programmable logic circuitry,
field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays
(PLA) may execute the computer readable program instructions by
utilizing state information of the computer readable program
instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order to
perform aspects of the present invention.
[0042] Aspects of the present invention are described herein with
reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of
methods, device (systems), and computer program products according
to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each
block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and
combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block
diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable program
instructions.
[0043] These computer readable program instructions may be provided
to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose
computer, or other programmable data processing device to produce a
machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the
processor of the computer or other programmable data processing
device, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified
in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. These
computer readable program instructions may also be stored in a
computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a
programmable data processing device, and/or other devices to
function in a particular manner, such that the computer readable
storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an
article of manufacture including instructions which implement
aspects of the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block
diagram block or blocks.
[0044] The computer readable program instructions may also be
loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing device,
or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be
performed on the computer, other programmable device or other
device to produce a computer implemented process, such that the
instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable
device, or other device implement the functions/acts specified in
the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
[0045] The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate
the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible
implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products
according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this
regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent
a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one
or more executable instructions for implementing the specified
logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the
functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in
the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in
fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may
sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the
functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of
the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations
of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can
be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that
perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations
of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.
[0046] The computer system 90 illustrated in FIG. 9 includes a
processor 91, an input device 92 coupled to the processor 91, an
output device 93 coupled to the processor 91, and memory devices 94
and 95 each coupled to the processor 91. The input device 92 may
be, inter alia, a keyboard, a mouse, a camera, a touchscreen, etc.
The output device 93 may be, inter alia, a printer, a plotter, a
computer screen, a magnetic tape, a removable hard disk, a floppy
disk, etc. The memory devices 94 and 95 may be, inter alia, a hard
disk, a floppy disk, a magnetic tape, an optical storage such as a
compact disc (CD) or a digital video disc (DVD), a dynamic random
access memory (DRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), etc. The memory
device 95 includes a computer code 97. The computer code 97
includes algorithms (e.g., the algorithm of FIG. 4) for enabling a
process for replacing power source elements in vehicles during
operation of vehicles 14. The processor 91 executes the computer
code 97. The memory device 94 includes input data 96. The input
data 96 includes input required by the computer code 97. The output
device 93 displays output from the computer code 97. Either or both
memory devices 94 and 95 (or one or more additional memory devices
such as read only memory device 96) may include the algorithm of
FIG. 4 and may be used as a computer usable medium (or a computer
readable medium or a program storage device) having a computer
readable program code embodied therein and/or having other data
stored therein, wherein the computer readable program code includes
the computer code 97. Generally, a computer program product (or,
alternatively, an article of manufacture) of the computer system 90
may include the computer usable medium (or the program storage
device).
[0047] In some embodiments, rather than being stored and accessed
from a hard drive, optical disc or other writeable, rewriteable, or
removable hardware memory device 95, stored computer program code
84 (e.g., including the algorithm of FIG. 4) may be stored on a
static, nonremovable, read-only storage medium such as a Read-Only
Memory (ROM) device 85, or may be accessed by processor 91 directly
from such a static, nonremovable, read-only medium 85. Similarly,
in some embodiments, stored computer program code 97 may be stored
as computer-readable firmware 85, or may be accessed by processor
91 directly from such firmware 85, rather than from a more dynamic
or removable hardware data-storage device 95, such as a hard drive
or optical disc.
[0048] Still yet, any of the components of the present invention
could be created, integrated, hosted, maintained, deployed,
managed, serviced, etc. by a service supplier who offers to replace
power source elements in vehicles during operation of the vehicles.
Thus, the present invention discloses a process for deploying,
creating, integrating, hosting, maintaining, and/or integrating
computing infrastructure, including integrating computer-readable
code into the computer system 90, wherein the code in combination
with the computer system 90 is capable of performing a method for
enabling a process f for replacing power source elements in
vehicles during operation of the vehicles. In another embodiment,
the invention provides a business method that performs the process
steps of the invention on a subscription, advertising, and/or fee
basis. That is, a service supplier, such as a Solution Integrator,
could offer to enable a process for replacing power source elements
in vehicles during operation of the vehicles. In this case, the
service supplier can create, maintain, support, etc. a computer
infrastructure that performs the process steps of the invention for
one or more customers. In return, the service supplier can receive
payment from the customer(s) under a subscription and/or fee
agreement and/or the service supplier can receive payment from the
sale of advertising content to one or more third parties.
[0049] While FIG. 9 shows the computer system 90 as a particular
configuration of specialized hardware and software, any
configuration of hardware and software, as would be known to a
person of ordinary skill in the art, may be utilized for the
purposes stated supra in conjunction with the particular computer
system 90 of FIG. 9. For example, the memory devices 94 and 95 may
be portions of a single memory device rather than separate memory
devices.
[0050] While embodiments of the present invention have been
described herein for purposes of illustration, many modifications
and changes will become apparent to those skilled in the art.
Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to encompass all such
modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope
of this invention.
* * * * *