US 12,405,617 B2
Multidirectional docking apparatus and methods for charging a device
Chiu-Teng Tsai, Tainan (TW); Yi-Bin Lin, Tainan (TW); and Chao-Wen Fu, Tainan (TW)
Assigned to GEOSAT AEROSPACE & TECHNOLOGY INC., Tainan (TW)
Filed by GEOSAT Aerospace & Technology Inc., Tainan (TW)
Filed on Jun. 30, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/345,403.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/357,811, filed on Jul. 1, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2024/0002070 A1, Jan. 4, 2024
Int. Cl. G05D 1/661 (2024.01); B64U 70/90 (2023.01); B64U 80/25 (2023.01); G05D 1/243 (2024.01); H02J 7/00 (2006.01); H01R 13/66 (2006.01)
CPC G05D 1/661 (2024.01) [B64U 70/90 (2023.01); B64U 80/25 (2023.01); G05D 1/243 (2024.01); H02J 7/0036 (2013.01); H02J 7/0044 (2013.01); H01R 13/6683 (2013.01)] 33 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. Docking apparatus for charging a power storage device of an external device, which includes a plurality of charging contacts arranged in a second L shape, the docking apparatus comprising:
a docking portion for the external device to dock with;
a plurality of power-supply contacts mounted on a surface of the docking portion and arranged in a first L shape; and
a control circuit configured to:
detect whether the external device docks with the docking portion; and
supply power to the power-supply contacts on the docking portion in response to detecting that the second L shape of the external device docks with the first L shape of the docking portion, wherein the external device is controlled to perform:
flying above and align with the docking portion,
determining an angle offset value of the first L shape and aligning the second L shape with the first L shape by rotating the external device relative to the docking portion according to the angle offset value, and
decreasing a height of the external device to dock with the docking portion, so that the two or more of the charging contacts of the external device are electrically coupled to the two or more of the power-supply contacts of the docking portion.