Drone Charging Positioning Using Reed Sensors

Surveillance drones are increasingly used for monitoring factory campuses overnight, providing real-time security and operational data. These drones rely on wireless charging docks to replenish their batteries and maintain uninterrupted operation. Precise landing on the dock is essential for efficient wireless charging, as optimal alignment between the drone and the dock’s charging coils ensures maximum energy transfer. Misaligned landings can lead to extended downtime, and potential interruptions in surveillance coverage.

When the drone is not properly aligned, the wireless charging coils may not couple effectively, reducing charging efficiency and increasing the time required to fully charge the battery. Ensuring accurate landing alignment is therefore critical to optimizing both the charging process and the drone’s operational readiness.

To address this challenge, four reed sensors are positioned within the charging dock, each corresponding to one of four magnets mounted on the drone’s landing carriage. As the drone approaches the dock, it uses these reed sensors to detect alignment. The embedded magnets on the drone activate the reed sensors when they are properly aligned. If all four sensors are actuated, the drone confirms its alignment and proceeds to land. If any sensor is not triggered, the drone adjusts its position mid-air until alignment is achieved. This ensures that the drone lands perfectly aligned with the charging coils, optimizing the energy transfer process and minimizing charging time.

Reed sensors are lightweight, durable, and energy-efficient, making them ideal for this application. Their integration into drone docking systems enhances charging reliability, ensuring uninterrupted surveillance and operational efficiency.

Application Classification

Applications are classified as Position Sensing, Pulse Counting, Electromagnetic or Relay, Temperature Sensing or Magnet Biasing types. This application is classified as follows and the link gives more information on best practices to help select the most suitable AT band and matching magnet.

Position sensing Type

When an application requires the end position of a movement sensed, or the sensing of a part when it comes into a zone, or when the Continue reading ->

Mar 21, 2025

Recommended Products

The Reed Switches and Sensors used in drone charging applications need to be robust, durable and efficient in meeting a high life expectancy. Our engineers work hard in life testing our products under various conditions, and our intention is to ensure end product durability and life. Although we wouldn’t want to restrict any of our products for use in only certain applications, the recommended products for use in this application are listed below.