Goods Delivery Drone

Abstract

Launch of goods delivery drones. According to one aspect of the present embodiment, a product delivery drone is provided, comprising: a battery that supplies power necessary for each component within the product delivery drone to operate; a processor that controls the operation of each component within the product delivery drone; a plurality of propellers that rotate according to the control of the processor and generate lift to enable the product delivery drone to move forward, backward, left, and right, or to ascend and descend; a plurality of motors that adjust whether the propellers rotate and the rotational speed according to the control of the processor; a plurality of first arms that electrically and mechanically connect the processor and the propellers; a plurality of landing gears that support the product delivery drone when the product delivery drone intends to land; a support member implemented across both landing gears; a camera disposed on one side of the processor to photograph its front; a LiDAR sensor that detects whether an obstacle is located around the product delivery drone; a product storage compartment that forms a space for storing products for delivery; and a communication unit that transmits and receives data to and from the outside.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] This embodiment relates to a drone that delivers goods from one place to another. Background Technology

[0002] The content described in this section merely provides background information regarding the present embodiment and does not constitute prior art.

[0003] Recently, various types of product delivery services, such as parcel delivery or food delivery, are being carried out.

[0004] The existing product delivery system has been operated in a way where a delivery person loads the items ordered by the customer into a delivery vehicle and visits the delivery location one by one to deliver the items.

[0005] However, conventional delivery methods had inconveniences in that delivery personnel had to visit the point of sale or the location of pickup to load the goods, and then deliver them directly to the pickup location using a vehicle. In particular, when the delivery location was a remote area with relatively few people, such as a campsite, there was an inconvenience in that the workload and time required for the delivery personnel increased significantly.

[0006] Recently, the introduction of drone-based goods delivery services has been discussed as a way to address these issues. However, such drone delivery services pose a risk of goods falling during delivery or the drone crashing due to a shift in its center of gravity, thus requiring countermeasures. The problem to be solved

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention has the objective of providing a product delivery drone capable of delivering products from one place to another intact without damage or crashing. means of solving the problem

[0008] According to one aspect of the present embodiment, a product delivery drone is provided, comprising: a battery that supplies power necessary for each component within the product delivery drone to operate; a processor that controls the operation of each component within the product delivery drone; a plurality of propellers that rotate according to the control of the processor and generate lift to enable the product delivery drone to move forward, backward, left, and right, or to ascend and descend; a plurality of motors that adjust whether the propellers rotate and the rotational speed according to the control of the processor; a plurality of first arms that electrically and mechanically connect the processor and the propellers; a plurality of landing gears that support the product delivery drone when the product delivery drone intends to land; a support member implemented across both landing gears; a camera disposed on one side of the processor to photograph its front; a LiDAR sensor that detects whether an obstacle is located around the product delivery drone; a product storage compartment that forms a space for storing products for delivery; and a communication unit that transmits and receives data to and from the outside.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present embodiment, the battery is characterized by being seated on the top of the processor.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present embodiment, the item delivery drone is characterized by further including a plurality of second arms mechanically connecting the landing gear and the processor.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present embodiment, the camera is characterized by capturing its front view from a First Person View (FPV) perspective.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present embodiment, the lidar sensor is characterized by being positioned in some or all of the front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom of the processor.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present embodiment, the communication unit is characterized by receiving a control signal regarding movement from the outside.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present embodiment, the processor controls each motor according to a control signal regarding movement received. Effects of the invention

[0015] As described above, according to one aspect of the present embodiment, there is an advantage in that goods can be delivered intact from one place to another without damage or falling. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0016] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a product delivery system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a product delivery drone according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating an example in which a position tracking unit is arranged according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating the configuration of a storage box for items according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0017] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and may have various embodiments, and specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail. However, this is not intended to limit the invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. Similar reference numerals have been used for similar components in the description of each drawing.

[0018] Terms such as first, second, A, B, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components should not be limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component. The term "and / or" includes a combination of a plurality of related described items or any of a plurality of related described items.

[0019] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0020] The terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "having" should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification.

[0021] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0022] Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having meanings consistent with their meanings in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0023] In addition, each component, process, procedure, or method included in each embodiment of the present invention may be shared within a scope that is not technically contradictory to one another.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a product delivery system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, a product delivery system (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a drone control device (110), a product delivery drone (120), a consumer terminal (130), and a management device (140).

[0026] The product delivery system (100) is a system that uses a drone to deliver products desired by consumers to a desired location. Consumers who are in situations or locations where it is difficult for a delivery person to deliver products face-to-face, as in conventional methods, request the delivery of products they need using their terminals. When the product delivery drone (120) moves to the product management location, the product manager loads the products onto the product delivery drone (120). The product delivery drone (120) loaded with products then delivers the products to the product delivery person by the system manager. Accordingly, the product delivery system (100) can deliver products from the product management location to the product delivery location without the need for additional delivery personnel.

[0027] The drone control device (110) receives addresses for a goods management location and a goods delivery location from the management device (140) and controls the goods delivery drone (120) so that the goods delivery drone (120) loads goods at the goods management location and transports them to the goods delivery location. The drone control device (110) communicates with the goods delivery drone (120) and the management device (140) using wireless communication. The drone control device (110) receives each address from the management device (140) using wireless communication and transmits a control signal to the goods delivery drone (120) to control the goods delivery drone (120) to move from one place to another.

[0028] The item delivery drone (120) receives a control signal from the drone control device (110) and delivers items from one place to another according to the control signal. The item delivery drone (120) is equipped with a space for loading items, so it can fly while loaded with items that need to be delivered. Accordingly, the item delivery drone (120) moves to an item management location according to the control signal of the drone control device (110), allowing the item manager to load items that need to be delivered to them. After the loading of items is completed, the item delivery drone (120) moves to the item delivery location according to the control signal of the drone control device (110) and delivers the loaded items.

[0029] The item delivery drone (120) can structurally minimize the movement of the center of gravity when loading and moving items. The specific structure of the item delivery drone (120) will be described later with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4.

[0030] The consumer terminal (130) requests delivery by transmitting information regarding the goods to be delivered and the address where the delivery is to be received to the management device (140). The consumer terminal (130) is a terminal owned by the consumer (user) who wants the goods to be delivered, and transmits information regarding the type and quantity of the goods to be delivered, along with information regarding where the goods are to be received, to the management device (140). Accordingly, the consumer can easily and quickly receive the goods they want delivered to the location they want.

[0031] The management device (140) receives the aforementioned information from the consumer terminal (130) and transmits the necessary information to the drone control device (110) so that the drone control device (110) can perform the aforementioned operation. The management device (140) receives information regarding the type and quantity of goods to be delivered from the consumer terminal (130) and transmits this to the appropriate drone control device (110) so that the goods delivery drone (120) can deliver the goods.

[0032] Furthermore, the management device (140) can receive location information of each item delivery drone (120) from the item delivery drone (120) or the drone control device (110) and can monitor each item delivery drone (120). The management device (140) can monitor the location of each item delivery drone (120) to monitor whether the item delivery drone (120) is properly delivering items.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a product delivery drone according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 2, a delivery drone (120) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery (210), an arm (220, 225), a propeller (230), a motor (240), a landing gear (250), a support member (255), a camera (260), a LiDAR sensor (265), a position tracking member (270), a storage box (280), a processor (290), and a communication member (not shown).

[0035] The battery (210) supplies power necessary for the operation of the processor (190) and other components within the drone (100). The battery (210) is electrically connected to the processor (290) and other components requiring power, thereby supplying power to those components. The battery (210) is mounted on top of the processor (290). Since the battery (210) is located in the center of the delivery drone (120) along with the processor (290), it allows the delivery drone (120) to be balanced.

[0036] The arm (220) mechanically and electrically connects the processor (290) and the propeller (230).

[0037] The arm (225) mechanically connects the processor (290) and the landing gear (250).

[0038] The propeller (230) receives power from the battery (210) and a control signal from the processor (290) to rotate and generate lift. Although FIG. 2 is illustrated as having four arms (220) and propellers (230), it is not necessarily limited to this, and the number of arms (220) and propellers (230) may vary depending on output amount or weight, etc. Multiple propellers (230) are included, and the rotation and rotation speed of each propeller are controlled so that the item delivery drone (120) moves forward, backward, left, and right, or ascends and descends.

[0039] The motor (240) applies rotational force to the propeller (230) under the control of the processor (290). The motor (240) applies rotational force to the propeller (230) so that the propeller (230) can perform the aforementioned operation, and controls the flight or movement of the goods delivery drone (120) by adjusting whether the propeller rotates and the rotational speed under the control of the processor (290). The motor (240) may be included in a number equal to the number of propellers (230) to apply rotational force to each propeller (230), or may be included in a number less than the number of propellers (230) to apply rotational force to one or more propellers (230).

[0040] The landing gear (250) is connected to the processor (290) and the arm (225) and supports the goods delivery drone (120) when the goods delivery drone (120) intends to land on the ground or at a specific landing point, thereby enabling the goods delivery drone (120) to land safely. The landing gear (250) has an elongated shape in a certain direction and contacts the ground or landing point with a large surface area, thereby enabling the goods delivery drone (120) to land without losing balance when landing.

[0041] A support member (255) is implemented across both landing gears (250) and supports a storage container (280) that is placed on it. One or more support members (255) are implemented across both landing gears (204) and support the storage container (280) that is placed on it to prevent the storage container (280) from moving away in the direction of gravity. When only one support member (255) is implemented, the support member (255) is located vertically below the processor (290) so that the item to be loaded into the storage container (280) can be positioned at the center of gravity. Meanwhile, when multiple support members (255) are implemented, they are implemented in a form that allows the item to be loaded into the storage container (280) to be positioned at the center of gravity of the item delivery drone (120).

[0042] A camera (260) is positioned on one side of a processor (290) to photograph its front. The camera (260) can photograph its front from a First Person View (FPV) perspective and allows a communication unit (not shown) to transmit the captured video to a drone control device (110). Accordingly, the drone control device (110) can determine whether the goods delivery drone (120) is moving properly under its control, whether there are any obstacles in front of the goods delivery drone (120) as it moves, and how to avoid obstacles if there are any.

[0043] The lidar sensor (265) may be placed in some or all of the four directions (front, back, left, right) and the upper and lower parts of the processor (290) and senses whether there are obstacles located around the item delivery drone (120). The lidar sensor (265) includes a protruding structure protruding from both ends of itself and a through hole implemented within the protruding structure, and the processor (290) includes a coupling structure formed by passing through the through hole. As the through hole is coupled with a separate plug or the like, the coupling structure of the processor (290) can be prevented from detaching from the through hole through which it has passed. The lidar sensor (265) can be fully placed and seated in each direction of the processor (290).

[0044] The location tracking unit (270) is positioned on one side of the arm (225) to verify its own location (item delivery drone). The location tracking unit (270) is implemented with a GPS system or the like capable of determining its absolute location and generates location information. The location tracking unit (270) transmits the generated location information to the drone control device (110) or management device (140) via a communication unit (not shown).

[0045] The position tracking unit (270) can be positioned as shown in FIG. 3.

[0046] FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating an example in which a position tracking unit is arranged according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 3, the location tracking unit (270) may be placed within the processor (290), but if the location tracking unit (270) is placed within the processor (290), the processor (290) may become excessively large. To prevent this, the location tracking unit (270) may be placed as shown in FIG. 3.

[0048] A coupling part (310) having an area larger than that of the position tracking part (270) can be coupled to the arm (225) between both ends of the arm (225). The coupling part (310) is coupled to and fixed to the arm (225), and the position tracking part (270) is seated on the area (320) on the coupling part (310).

[0049] Meanwhile, an additional battery (not shown) for driving the location tracking unit (270) may be placed by a similar type of coupling unit (not shown). Accordingly, the location tracking unit (270) can operate by receiving power from a separate battery, thereby minimizing the consumption of the battery (210).

[0050] Referring again to FIG. 2, the item storage box (280) forms a space for storing items for delivery. The item storage box (280) has the shape as shown in FIG. 4 and is fixed by an arm (225) and a support member (255).

[0051] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating the configuration of a storage box for items according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 4a to 4c, a storage box (280) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an inlet (284) and a fixing part (288).

[0053] The item storage box (280) is placed on the support member (255). As described above, the item storage box (280) is placed on the support member (255) and can be positioned at the center of gravity of the item delivery drone (120). In addition, the item storage box (280) has a length in the width direction (the direction in which the support member (255) is positioned) such that the arm (225) and its two ends can come into contact. The item storage box (280) has a cross-sectional area and a height to allow for the loading of items to be stored. At this time, while the item storage box (280) has the cross-sectional area described above, the length in the width direction is formed such that the arm (225) and its two ends can come into contact. Accordingly, the item storage box (280) is supported by the support member (255) at the bottom and by the arm (225) at both ends. The item storage box (280) may not deviate from its initial position during the flight of the item delivery drone (120).

[0054] The item storage box (280) includes an inlet (284) to allow items to be loaded into its interior. The inlet (284) is implemented with a coupling structure (not shown) so as to be detachable from the housing of the item storage box (280). When separated from the housing of the item storage box (280), the inlet (284) is opened as shown in FIG. 4b, and the interior of the item storage box (280) can be exposed to the outside. An item manager can open the inlet (284) to deliver items to be delivered into the item storage box (280).

[0055] At this time, the items loaded into the item storage box (280) are positioned at the top of the support member (255), and an air pocket (not shown) may be positioned around the items. The air pocket (not shown) includes a space into which a gas, such as air, can be injected, and is configured to be filled only with gas. The air pocket (not shown) is positioned to fill the remaining space other than the location where the items are placed inside the item storage box (280), thereby preventing the items from shifting out of their proper position and causing damage to the items. As the items inside the item storage box (280) are positioned in this manner, the items may not deviate from the center of gravity of the item delivery drone (120) regardless of the direction in which the item delivery drone (120) moves.

[0056] A fixing part (288) is implemented on one side that is coupled with a supporting part (255) of the item storage box (280). The fixing part (288) is implemented on one side of the item storage box (280) in a form complementary to the supporting part (255). Accordingly, the supporting part (255) and the fixing part (288) are coupled, and the detachment of the item storage box (280) can be minimized.

[0057] Referring again to FIG. 2, a communication unit (not shown) transmits and receives data with a drone control device (110) or a management device (140). The communication unit (not shown) may be implemented inside or outside a processor (290) and transmits data or transmits received data to the processor (290) under the control of the processor (290). The communication unit (not shown) may transmit images captured by a camera (260), sensing values ​​of a lidar sensor (265), or sensing values ​​of a position tracking unit (270) to the drone control device (110), or transmit them together with the management device (140). The communication unit (not shown) may receive control signals regarding movement from the drone control device (110).

[0058] The processor (290) controls each component within the item delivery drone (120) to perform the aforementioned operation.

[0059] When a communication unit (not shown) receives a control signal regarding movement from a drone control device (110), the processor (290) controls the motor (240) to adjust the operation or rotation speed of each propeller (230) so that the item delivery drone (120) can move according to the control signal.

[0060] The processor (290) controls the camera (260), lidar sensor (265), and position tracking unit (270) to operate periodically or continuously during movement. The processor (290) controls a communication unit (not shown) to transmit the result value of each component to a drone control unit (110) or a management unit (140), and can directly control the motor (240) by analyzing the sensing value of the lidar sensor (265). If an obstacle is located within a preset radius from the processor based on the sensing value of the lidar sensor (265), the processor (290) can control the motor (240) and propeller (230) to avoid the obstacle or stop before receiving a control signal from the drone control unit (110).

[0061] As the item delivery drone (120) includes the aforementioned configuration, items stored in the item storage container (280) can be safely delivered from one location to another.

[0062] The above description is merely an illustrative explanation of the technical concept of the present embodiment, and a person skilled in the art to which the present embodiment belongs would be able to make various modifications and variations within the scope of the essential characteristics of the present embodiment. Accordingly, the present embodiments are intended to explain, not limit, the technical concept of the present embodiment, and the scope of the technical concept of the present embodiment is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present embodiment shall be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical concepts within an equivalent scope shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of rights of the present embodiment. Explanation of the symbols

[0063] 100: Item Delivery System 110: Drone control unit 120: Goods delivery drone 130: Consumer terminals 140: Management device 210: Battery 220, 225: Am 230: Propeller 240: Motor 250: Landing gear 255: Support 260: Camera 265: LiDAR sensor 270: Location tracking unit 280: Item Locker 284: Inlet 288: Fixed part 290: Processor

Claims

Claim 1 A product delivery drone comprises: a processor that controls the operation of each component within the product delivery drone; a battery that supplies power necessary for each component within the product delivery drone to operate, is mounted on the top of the processor, and is positioned in the center of the product delivery drone along with the processor to achieve balance; a plurality of propellers that rotate according to the control of the processor and generate lift to enable the product delivery drone to move forward, backward, left, and right, or to ascend and descend; a plurality of motors that adjust whether the propellers rotate and the rotation speed according to the control of the processor; a plurality of first arms that electrically and mechanically connect the processor and the propellers; a plurality of landing gears that enable the product delivery drone to land by making contact with the ground or a landing point when the product delivery drone intends to land on the ground or a landing point; a plurality of second arms that mechanically connect the landing gears and the processor; and one or more support members implemented across both landing gears. A delivery drone for goods, comprising: a camera positioned on one side of the processor to photograph its front; a LiDAR sensor to detect whether an obstacle is located around the delivery drone for goods; a storage box that is seated on the support member and positioned at the center of gravity of the delivery drone for goods, and has a widthwise length such that the second arm and both ends of itself can come into contact, and a cross-sectional area and height to load items to be stored, and is supported at the bottom by the support member and at both ends by the second arm, thereby forming a space to store items for delivery; a communication unit for transmitting and receiving data to and from the outside, wherein the storage box for goods comprises: an inlet having a coupling structure so as to be detachable from the housing of the storage box; and a fixing part that is implemented in a form complementary to the support member on one surface coupled to the support member, is coupled to the support member, and prevents the storage box from detaching. Claim 2 A product delivery drone according to claim 1, wherein the battery is seated on the top of the processor. Claim 3 delete Claim 4 A product delivery drone according to claim 1, characterized in that the camera films its front view from an FPV (First Person View) perspective. Claim 5 A product delivery drone according to claim 1, characterized in that the lidar sensor is positioned in some or all of the front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom of the processor. Claim 6 A product delivery drone according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit receives a control signal regarding movement from the outside. Claim 7 A product delivery drone according to claim 6, wherein the processor controls each motor according to a control signal regarding received movement.

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