The present invention extends to methods, systems, devices, and apparatus for replenishing vehicle resources. Vehicles can be aligned with and docked to replenishment devices. In one aspect, a flying vehicle (e.g., an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)) is aligned onto electrical recharging contacts. The flying vehicles fuel level or battery charge can be replenished with minimal, if any, human intervention. Vehicle docking (e.g., landing), alignment, and replenishment can be performed automatically. A circular ring or shaped surface of a vehicle can engage with a conical sloping surface of a docking apparatus as a vehicle moves towards and/or into the docking apparatus. The conical sloping surface shape aligns the vehicle with recharge contacts or a refueling probe at the base of the docking apparatus.
Apparatus for replenishing a vehicle energy source
2017-09-19
Patent
Electronic Resource
English
IPC: | H02J CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER , Schaltungsanordnungen oder Systeme für die Abgabe oder Verteilung elektrischer Leistung / B60L PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES , Antrieb von elektrisch angetriebenen Fahrzeugen / B67D Ausschenken, Abgeben oder Überleiten von Flüssigkeiten, soweit nicht anderweitig vorgesehen , DISPENSING, DELIVERING, OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR |