Autonomous Drone Charging Dock Design -- 2
Budget: ₹100,000 – ₹130,000 INR
I need a complete design for an autonomous charging dock that works exactly like the one shown in this reference video: https://youtu.be/R_d7B76bOeE?si=3clzqgDhOCUmaTiw. The dock must accept a quadcopter, pull it to the precise centre after touchdown, then charge it through a pair of spring-loaded pins.
Structure & materials
• Top platform: clear acrylic so I can look in and carry out quick inspections.
• Main frame: combination of machined metal parts for strength and a wooden sub-base for easy fabrication, vibration damping, and quick access to fasteners.
Key functions to engineer
• Landing detection and a smooth, low-profile drag mechanism that moves the quadcopter into position without damaging the props.
• Two-pin, self-aligning charging interface that mates reliably every cycle.
• Basic safety interlocks (reverse-polarity, over-current, environmental protection) so the system can be left running unattended on the workshop bench or a flat outdoor slab.
• Simple indicators (LED or small display) showing charge status and fault alerts.
Deliverables
1. 3-D CAD files and mechanical drawings ready for fabrication (metal parts, wooden base, acrylic cover).
2. Electrical schematic, PCB/stripboard layout, and connector pin-out for the two-pin charger.
3. Firmware or control logic outline for whatever microcontroller/PLC you propose to trigger the drag motor and manage charging.
4. A concise bill of materials with readily available components.
Acceptance criteria
• The dimensions and motion sequence in your design must mirror the video demo.
• A quadcopter up to 350 mm wheel-base should align within ±2 mm of centre before charging starts.
• Charger must deliver a consistent 4 A at 16.8 V (or let me know if you see a more appropriate spec).
• All documents compile cleanly—no missing parts lists or ambiguous tolerances.
Feel free to recommend off-the-shelf linear actuators, stepper motors, or sensor packages if they shorten build time. My priority is a reliable, reproducible design that I can send straight to a local fabricator and then assemble myself, so clear drawings and wiring guidance are more valuable than a glossy render.
Structure & materials
• Top platform: clear acrylic so I can look in and carry out quick inspections.
• Main frame: combination of machined metal parts for strength and a wooden sub-base for easy fabrication, vibration damping, and quick access to fasteners.
Key functions to engineer
• Landing detection and a smooth, low-profile drag mechanism that moves the quadcopter into position without damaging the props.
• Two-pin, self-aligning charging interface that mates reliably every cycle.
• Basic safety interlocks (reverse-polarity, over-current, environmental protection) so the system can be left running unattended on the workshop bench or a flat outdoor slab.
• Simple indicators (LED or small display) showing charge status and fault alerts.
Deliverables
1. 3-D CAD files and mechanical drawings ready for fabrication (metal parts, wooden base, acrylic cover).
2. Electrical schematic, PCB/stripboard layout, and connector pin-out for the two-pin charger.
3. Firmware or control logic outline for whatever microcontroller/PLC you propose to trigger the drag motor and manage charging.
4. A concise bill of materials with readily available components.
Acceptance criteria
• The dimensions and motion sequence in your design must mirror the video demo.
• A quadcopter up to 350 mm wheel-base should align within ±2 mm of centre before charging starts.
• Charger must deliver a consistent 4 A at 16.8 V (or let me know if you see a more appropriate spec).
• All documents compile cleanly—no missing parts lists or ambiguous tolerances.
Feel free to recommend off-the-shelf linear actuators, stepper motors, or sensor packages if they shorten build time. My priority is a reliable, reproducible design that I can send straight to a local fabricator and then assemble myself, so clear drawings and wiring guidance are more valuable than a glossy render.