Multi-stage alignment of unmanned aerial vehicles with base stations during docking

A landing platform for a base station configured to dock with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), wherein the landing platform comprises:

• alignment members configured to substantially center the UAV on the landing platform during a first stage of alignment;
• and
• a charging hub repositionable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the charging hub includes:
• a registration member configured to reposition the UAV in a plane extending in substantially parallel relation to the landing platform during a second stage of alignment;
• and
• a charging head extending into the registration member, wherein the charging head is repositionable within the registration member from a normal position into a deflected position during a third stage of alignment to facilitate electrical connection of the charging head to the UAV.

A landing platform for a base station configured to dock with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), wherein the landing platform comprises:

• a stage defining landing areas configured to receive the UAV during docking;
• a charging hub positioned between the landing areas;
• and
• alignment members movable in relation to the stage,
• wherein the alignment members are configured to substantially center the UAV on the landing platform and substantially align the UAV with the charging hub during a first stage of alignment, wherein the landing platform includes a single pair of alignment members only;
• wherein the charging hub is configured to engage the UAV and reposition the UAV in a plane extending in substantially parallel relation to the landing platform during a second stage of alignment;
• and
• wherein the charging hub is deflected in relation to the UAV during a third stage of alignment to facilitate electrical connection of the charging hub to the UAV.