Patent attributes
An in-flight contact charging system includes a charging contact, a power receiver, and a recharging controller connected to the charging contact. The charging contact is mounted on a support. The power receiver is mounted on an aerial vehicle containing an electrical load. The power receiver connects to the electrical load. The recharging controller can detect contact between the charging contact and the power receiver; transmit electricity to the charging contact; detect a spike in battery impedance; and discontinue transmission of electricity to the charging contact. The system enables a drone to rapidly recharge its battery while in flight by making brief contact between the charging contact and the power receiver. This system keeps the drone airborne, does not waste energy, and is comparatively cheap to build and maintain.
