DESC:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

Title of invention:
A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONNECTING A BATTERY CONNECTOR TO THE BATTERY THROUGH RETAINER

APPLICANT:
AARAV UNMANNED SYSTEMS PRIVATE LIMITED
An Indian entity having address as:
#3, 80 Feet Main Road, MCHS Layout, Jakkur,
Bangalore - 560064

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND PRIORITY
The present application claims priority from the Indian patent application, having application number 202241063018, filed on 4th November 2022, incorporated herein by a reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of a battery connector retainer for an unmanned aerial vehicle. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an anti- fall mechanism of the unmanned aerial vehicle by ensuring the positive contact of a battery connector with its counter connector for the continuous power supply for safe operation of the unmanned aerial vehicle.
BACKGROUND
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) commonly known as drones, have revolutionised a number of sectors and applications, including surveillance, agriculture, and entertainment. These autonomous or remote-controlled UAV’s have developed into a crucial component of contemporary technology, making it possible for humans to perform activities that were before impossible or too risky. UAVs can acquire information, monitor environments, and carry out tasks precisely and effectively because of their array of sensors, cameras, and communication systems. They are useful instruments for activities like aerial photography, disaster relief, infrastructure inspection, and even package delivery because of their adaptability. The use of UAVs is anticipated to grow as technology develops, with the potential to transform a number of industries and create new opportunities for research and innovation.
Conventionally, an UAV typically consists of an airframe, which provides the structure and aerodynamic design necessary for flight. The propulsion system, often comprising electric motors or internal combustion engines, enables the UAV to control its movement. Control surfaces essential for carefully moving and stabilizing the drone during flight. The sensors, GPS, and communication equipment to navigate and transmit data to the operator. Additionally, a UAV's power source, typically in the form of batteries or fuel, provides the necessary energy to operate all its systems. Cameras and other payload equipment, like sensors or cargo release mechanisms, can be added for specific mission objectives, making UAVs versatile tools for applications ranging from aerial photography to surveillance and even delivery services. These key components work in harmony to make UAVs efficient and adaptable tools in various industries.
Batteries are crucial components which are frequently used in unmanned aerial vehicle to power their on-board equipment and/or propulsion. These batteries possess a battery cable having a power plug. This power plug is connected to the counter connector positioned onto the unmanned aerial vehicle body through a battery cable such that the battery empowers the unmanned aerial vehicle enabling the unmanned aerial vehicle to fly. However, the key problem in the existing technology is that the battery cable providing power supply to the unmanned aerial vehicle possess a tendency to loosen due to vibrations caused during flight. This propensity of battery cable connected to the unmanned aerial vehicle results in sporadic or discontinued power supply. Due to this discontinued power supply, there are vast chances of an unmanned aerial vehicle to collapse on the ground surface.
The conventionally existing technology for unmanned aerial vehicle lacks a suitable anti-fall construction. As a result, the unmanned aerial vehicle vibrates during flight and the plug potentially separates from the connector causing the unmanned aerial vehicle to retard and gradually collapse.
Therefore, there is a long-standing need of a system and a method to maintain a constant power supply to the battery during flight by ensuring that the battery cable always maintains positive contact with the corresponding connector. This will allow the unmanned aerial vehicle to continue to operate safely even after a flight-related vibration.
SUMMARY
Before the present system and its components are described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular system and its arrangement as described, as there can be multiple possible embodiments which are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosure. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular versions or embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present application. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in detecting or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.
An embodiment of the instant disclosure relates to a system (100) for securely connecting a battery (103) to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) (102) is disclosed.
In one embodiment, the system (100) may comprise an unmanned aerial vehicle frame. The system may comprise a counter connector (106) positioned on the unmanned aerial vehicle frame, wherein the counter connector (106) comprises a receiver slot (104). The system may comprise a battery enclosure and one or more battery cables (107). The system may comprise a battery connector (105), wherein one end of the battery connector (105) is connected to counter connector (106) and other end of the battery connector (105) is connected to the one or more battery cables (107). The system may comprise a retainer body (101), wherein the retainer body (101) comprises a retainer clip (201) and a retainer cover (202), wherein the retainer clip (201) comprises one or more bottom lips to lock the retainer body (201) with the battery enclosure by pressing and pushing the one or more bottom lips (205) into the receiver slot (107), wherein the retainer clip (201) comprising a plurality of U-shaped grooves (203) for accommodating the one or more battery cables (107), wherein the plurality of U-shaped grooves (203) are enclosed by the retainer cover (202).
In one implementation of the instant disclosure, a method for securely connecting a battery connector (105) of a battery (103) to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) (102) is disclosed. The method may comprise a step of accommodating one or more battery cables (107) within one or more u-shaped grooves (203) of a retainer body (101). The method may comprise a step of securing a retainer cover (202) over the retainer body (101) to restrict movement of one more battery cable (107) within one or more u-shaped grooves (203). The method may comprise a step of sliding and overlapping the retainer body (101) towards an end of a battery connector (105). The method may comprise a step of pressing the one or more bottom lips (205) of the retainer body (101) inward. The method may comprise a step of inserting the battery connector (105) overlapped with the retainer body (101) in the receiver slot (104) positioned over an unmanned aerial vehicle frame and locking the battery connector (105) enclosed by the retainer body (101) in a counter connector (106).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The detailed description of drawings is outlined with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer like features and components.
Figure 1 depicts a system (100) for an UAV comprising a battery, wherein the battery cables are securely connected to the counter connector (106) on the UAV via a retainer body (101), in accordance with the embodiment of the present subject matter.
Figure 2(A) illustrates a first isometric view of the retainer body (101) without retainer cover (202) attached to the retainer body (101), in accordance with the embodiment of the present subject matter.
Figure 2(B) illustrates a second isometric view of the retainer body (101) with retainer cover (202) attached to the retainer body, in accordance with the embodiment of the present subject matter.
Figure 2(C) illustrates a top view of the retainer body (202), in accordance with the embodiment of the present subject matter.
Figure 2(D) illustrates a bottom view of the retainer body (202), in accordance with the embodiment of the present subject matter.
Figure 2(E) illustrates a front view of the retainer body (202), in accordance with the embodiment of the present subject matter.
Figure 2(F) and 2(G) illustrate a side view of the retainer body, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
Figure 3(A)-3(B) depicts a battery (300) having battery cables which are accommodated in to the retainer body (202), in accordance with embodiment of the present subject matter.
Figure 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an interlocking of retainer body (101) and a receiver slot, in accordance with embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “one embodiment,” “alternate embodiment,” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment,” “in an alternate embodiment,” or “in a related embodiment” in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
The words “comprising”, “having”, “containing”, and “including”, and other forms thereof are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open-ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be exhaustive listing of such item or items or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items.
It must also be noted that the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although any methods similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the exemplary methods are described.
Various modifications to the embodiment may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art may readily recognize that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments illustrated but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
The embodiments, examples and alternatives of the preceding paragraphs or the description and drawings, including any of their various aspects or respective individual features, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible.
The present disclosure relates to a system for connecting a battery cable to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). This system typically consists of a combination of hooks, latches, or locking mechanisms that engage with corresponding receptacles or mounts on both the UAV and the battery. The system further ensures a stable and vibration-resistant connection, preventing accidental disconnection during flight and ensuring the safe and reliable power supply for the UAV's propulsion and on-board systems.
The disclosed system is crucial for the seamless integration and operation of the UAV, enhancing its overall performance and reliability. The above stated system purposed for connecting a battery cable to an unmanned aerial vehicle preferably by means of a retainer body. A retainer is a positive locking device for locking the battery cables when connected to the battery and preventing them from loosening due to vibration and other forces.
In one embodiment, a system and method for connecting a battery connector to the battery through a retainer body is implemented to overcome the major drawback of the conventional system. The inability of the battery cable to stay connected to counter connector during vibrations caused due to flight. Further, the disconnection of the battery cables from the counter connector on the UAV leads to discontinued power supply which may result into collapse or imbalance of the unmanned aerial vehicle. Therefore, the system for securely connecting a battery to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) which provides a continued power supply and having an anti-fall mechanism is disclosed herewith.
In one embodiment of the present disclosure, referring to Figure 1, the system (100) for securely connecting a battery (103) to an UAV (102) may comprise an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) airframe (108), wherein a counter connector (106) is positioned on the UAV airframe(108).
In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the unmanned aerial vehicle airframe (108) may comprise of a counter connector (106), wherein the counter connector may further comprise a receiver slot (104).
In an another embodiment, the unmanned aerial vehicle airframe (108) may comprise a battery enclosure (not shown) enabled to cover the overall battery assembly positioned on the unmanned aerial vehicle airframe (108). The battery enclosure serves as a protective housing for the UAV's batteries, safeguarding them from physical damage, environmental factors, and thermal fluctuations while ensuring secure containment. Typically constructed from lightweight, durable, and fire-resistant materials like plastic, carbon fiber, aluminium etc.
The battery enclosure may also provide adequate ventilation to dissipate heat, incorporate shock-absorbing features for impact resistance, facilitate easy battery access for maintenance, offer electrical connectors for power distribution, and adhere to safety standards and regulations to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the UAV.
In one embodiment, the system (100) may comprise one or more battery cables (107), enabled to connect the battery (103) with unmanned aerial vehicle (102) via a battery connector (105) for a continued power supply. The one or more battery cables (107) that are connected to a battery connector (105) at one end, wherein another end of the battery connector (105) is affixed to the counter connector (106) positioned on the unmanned aerial vehicle airframe (108).
In one embodiment of the present disclosure, referring to Figure 1 and 2(A)-2(G), the system for securely connecting a battery cable and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) (102) involves a clamp like mechanism is disclosed. The system is configured to keep the battery cables (107) intact while vibration during flight. The clamp like mechanism involved in the UAV for secure connection of one or more battery cables is preferably a retainer body (101).
In a related embodiment of the present disclosure, referring to Figure 1, the retainer body (101) provides a positive contact of the one or more battery cables with the counter connector which ensures continuous power supply to the unmanned aerial vehicle (102).
In an embodiment, the battery (103) is mounted on to the UAV airframe (108) using the battery enclosure. The battery (103) comprises of one or more battery cables (107), wherein one or more battery cables (107) are connected to one end of the battery connector (105). Another end of the battery connector (105) is enabled to be affixed in the counter connector (106) positioned on the unmanned aerial vehicle airframe ((108).
In one embodiment, referring to Figure 2(A)-2(G), the retainer body (101) may comprise a retainer clip (201) and a retainer cover (202). Further, referring to figure 4, a cross-sectional view of the retainer body (101) is disclosed, wherein the retainer body (101) may further comprise two u-shaped grooves (203) enabled for accommodating the battery cables (107). Further, the retainer body (101) comprises of a retainer cover (202) enabled for holding the battery cables (107) tightly which may be secured to the retainer body (101) by using an adhesive or by press-lock.
In one embodiment, the retainer body (101) is enabled for holding the one or more battery cables (107) connected to the battery connector (105) intact. To keep the one or more battery cables (107) intact and the retainer body (101) may comprise a retainer clip (201) which further may comprises a plurality of U-shaped grooves (203). The plurality U- shaped grooves (203) are enabled to accommodate the one or more battery cables (105).
In one embodiment, the retainer body (101) may comprise of a retainer cover (202) that may be secured over the retainer body (101) by an adhesive, snap-fitting, interference fitting, or by press-lock in order to secure the one or more battery cables (107).
In one embodiment, the retainer clip (201) may comprise one or more bottom lips (205) enabled to lock the retainer body (101) into the battery enclosure by pressing and pushing the bottom lips (205) in to the receiver slot (104). The retainer clip (201) may further comprise a plurality of U-shaped grooves (203) enabled to accommodate one or more battery cables (107). The U-shaped grooves (203) accommodating one or more battery cables (107) are enclosed by the retainer cover (202). In a related embodiment, the retainer cover (202) is intertwined to the retainer clip (201) by means of a glue, preferably an adhesive element.
In another embodiment, the retainer body (101) may be configured to be pushed/slide towards the end of the battery connector (105). The battery connector (105) may further be configured to connect to the counter connector (106) positioned on the unmanned aerial vehicle airframe (108). To connect/interlock with the counter connector (106) positioned on the unmanned aerial vehicle airframe (108), the retainer clip (201) of the retainer body (101) may comprise of a bottom lip (205) at both sides having a provision to press the bottom lips (205) inward, and push inside the counter connector (105) in order to lock with the battery enclosure.
In a related embodiment of the present disclosure, referring to Figure 2, the retainer body (101) may comprise a diagonal teeth pattern (204) on both sides of the retainer body (101), wherein the diagonal teeth pattern (204) is configured for pressing and fixing the retainer clip (201) into one or more counter teethed vertical gaps (401) of the receiver slot (104). Further, the size and length of the retainer body (101) is adjustable according to the shape of the battery connector (105) and the counter connector (106).
In one embodiment the method may comprise a first step of accommodation of one or more battery cables (107) within one or more U-shaped grooves (203) of the retainer body (101). The second step may include securing a retainer cover (202) over the retainer body (101) to restrict movement of one more battery cable (107) within one or more u-shaped grooves (203). The third step may include sliding and overlapping the retainer body (101) towards an end of a battery connector (105). The fourth step may include applying pressure to the one or more bottom lips (205) of the retainer body (101) inward. In the fourth step, inserting the battery connector (105) overlapped with the retainer body (101) in the receiver slot (104) positioned over an unmanned aerial vehicle frame. Locking the battery connector (105) enclosed by the retainer body (101) in a counter connector (106).
In a related embodiment of the present disclosure, referring to Figure 3, the retainer body (103) may be disengaged from the receiver slot (104) by inward pressing the sides of the retainer body (101) into the counter connector (106), and removably detaching the diagonal teeth pattern (204) from counter teethed vertical gaps (401) of the retainer clip (201).
In a related embodiment of the present disclosure, referring to Figure 3, a system (100) for securely connecting a battery (103) to an UAV (102) via a retainer body (101), wherein the retainer clip (201) is enabled to be disengaged from the receiver slot (104) by inward pressing the sides of the retainer body (101) inside the counter connector (106) and removably detaching diagonal teeth pattern (204) from counter teethed vertical gaps (401) of the retainer clip (201).
In one embodiment, a method for securely connecting a battery connector (105) of a battery (103) to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) (102), is disclosed.
At a first step, one or more battery cables (107) are accommodated within one or more U-shaped grooves (203) of the retainer body (101). This reduces cable clutter, safeguards cables from damage, enhances airflow for optimal battery performance, simplifies installation and maintenance procedures, and minimizes interference with other components, collectively contributing to the overall efficiency, safety, and reliability of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and its battery.
At a second step, a retainer cover (202) is secured over the retainer body (101) to restrict movement of one more battery cable (107) within one or more u-shaped grooves (203) thereby guarantees the protection and stability of the essential battery cables (107). This reduces the risk of interference with critical components, and enhances the UAV's long-term reliability, collectively contributing to the safety, performance, and overall operational efficiency of the UAV.
At a third step, the retainer body (101) is slid and overlapped towards an end of a battery connector (105) in order to lock the retainer body (101) into the counter connector (106) present on the UAV.
At a fourth step, the one or more bottom lips (205) of the retainer body (101) are pressed inward.
At a fifth step, the battery connector (105) overlapped with the retainer body (101) is inserted in the receiver slot (104) positioned over an unmanned aerial vehicle frame. Thereby, locking the battery connector (105) enclosed by the retainer body (101) in a counter connector (106).
In another embodiment, the disclosed system and process guarantees that the battery connector (105), remains firmly locked in place, preventing accidental disconnections during flight, which could lead to sudden power loss and potential accidents. The mechanical locking mechanism enhances safety, as it assures the uninterrupted power supply for the UAV. Furthermore, it simplifies the battery replacement process during maintenance, reducing downtime, and contributes to overall flight stability and safety compliance in both recreational and commercial UAV operations.
The presently disclosed system and method for connecting the connector to the battery via the retainer to prevent the crash of the unmanned aerial vehicle because of the loose connection of the connector due to vibration during flight may have the following advantageous functionalities on the conventional art:
- The system may ensure positive contact of the battery connector during the flight.
? The retainer may be able to hold positive locking of the battery connector during vibration and therefore may ensure continuous power supply due to positive locking.
? Easy to assemble on field also.
? Cost effective.
? Worn out parts can be easily replaced.
? Shock proof.
? Works in all temperature and all environments.
Various modifications to the embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments illustrated but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
The foregoing description shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in any limiting sense. A person of ordinary skill in the art would understand that certain modifications could come within the scope of this disclosure.
The embodiments, examples and alternatives of the preceding paragraphs or the description and drawings, including any of their various aspects or respective individual features, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless such features are incompatible.

,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. A system (100) for securely connecting a battery (103) to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) (102), wherein the system (100) comprising:
an unmanned aerial vehicle frame (108);
a counter connector (106) positioned on the unmanned aerial vehicle frame, wherein the counter connector (106) comprises a receiver slot (104);
a battery enclosure;
one or more battery cables (107);
a battery connector (105), wherein one end of the battery connector (105) is connected to counter connector (106) and other end of the battery connector (105) is connected to the one or more battery cables (107); and
a retainer body (101), wherein the retainer body (101) comprises a retainer clip (201) and a retainer cover (202), wherein the retainer clip (201) comprises one or more bottom lips (205) to lock the retainer body (101) with the battery enclosure by pressing and pushing the one or more bottom lips (205) into the receiver slot (104), wherein the retainer clip (201) comprising a plurality of U-shaped grooves (203) for accommodating the one or more battery cables (107), wherein the plurality of U-shaped grooves (203) are enclosed by the retainer cover (202).
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the retainer body (101) further comprises a diagonal teeth pattern (204) on both sides of the retainer body (101), wherein the diagonal teeth pattern (204) is configured for pressing and fixing the retainer clip (201) into one or more counter teethed vertical gaps (401) of the receiver slot (104).
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the retainer body (101) is adjustable according to the shape of the battery connector (105).
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the retainer clip (201) is intertwined to the retainer cover (202) by means of an adhesive element.
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more bottom lips (206) are pressed inward for inserting the retainer clip (201) into the receiver slot (104), thereby allowing the retainer body (101) to lock inside the receiver slot (104).
6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the retainer body (101) is configured to provide a positive contact of the one or more battery cables (107) with the counter connector which ensures continuous power supply to the unmanned aerial vehicle.
7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the retainer clip (201) is disengaged from the receiver slot (104) by inward pressing the sides of the retainer body (101) inside the counter connector (106) and removably detaching diagonal teeth pattern (204) from counter teethed vertical gaps (401) of the retainer clip (201).
A method for securely connecting a battery connector (105) of a battery (103) to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) (102), wherein the method comprising:
accommodating one or more battery cables (107) within one or more u-shaped grooves (203) of a retainer body (101);
securing a retainer cover (202) over the retainer body (101) to restrict movement of one more battery cable (107) within one or more u-shaped grooves (203);
sliding and overlapping the retainer body (101) towards an end of a battery connector (105);
pressing the one or more bottom lips (205) of the retainer body (101) inward;
inserting the battery connector (105) overlapped with the retainer body (101) in the receiver slot (104) positioned over an unmanned aerial vehicle frame; and
locking the battery connector (105) enclosed by the retainer body (101) in a counter connector (106).
Dated this 04th Day of November 2022

Priyank Gupta
Agent for the Applicant
IN/PA-1454