Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) landing systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UAV landing systems face challenges in precisely positioning and stabilizing UAVs for efficient package delivery, as they require precise navigation and often necessitate repositioning after landing to align objects for delivery.
Innovation Solution
A landing system with a mobile landing surface and landing gear receiving sites that include tapered openings and movable locks to secure the UAV, combined with a loading channel for object transfer, facilitated by an autonomous ground vehicle (AGV) for precise alignment and stabilization, and optional electromagnets or vacuum chambers for securing the UAV during movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional landing systems are used, then UAVs can land and release packages, but precise positioning and stabilization are difficult, requiring repositioning after landing
Solution Approach 1:
The landing system is segmented into multiple independent landing gear receiving sites, each with its own lock mechanism. The AGV platform is divided into modular sections that can independently position and stabilize UAVs. This segmentation allows precise positioning without requiring complex integrated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The AGV serves as an intermediary between the UAV and the final delivery location. It receives the UAV on its platform, provides stable positioning, then transports the UAV to the target location. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system by separating landing functions from delivery functions.
2Reliability
If locks are positioned close to the center, then the UAV is securely stabilized, but the landing gear cannot be properly received
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than static. It automatically moves between a first position (away from center) for landing gear reception and a second position (toward center) for stabilization. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between ease of landing and secure stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock is preliminarily positioned away from the center to facilitate easy landing gear reception. Once the landing gear is received, the lock then moves to the centered position to provide stabilization. This preliminary positioning approach ensures smooth operation followed by secure stabilization.
3Ease of operation
If the lock moves to the second position to allow landing gear reception, then the UAV can land, but additional movement is needed to secure the UAV
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism operates continuously without idle movements. It moves from the first position to receive the landing gear, then immediately moves to the second position for stabilization in a continuous sequence. This eliminates wasted time and ensures efficient operation throughout the landing process.
Data Source
AI summary
A landing system suitable for receiving an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) comprises an autonomous ground vehicle (AGV). A landing surface is disposed on the AGV, and the landing system comprises a loading channel suitable for passing an object delivered by the UAV through a first loading channel opening in the landing surface. The object passes within the loading channel through to a second loading channel opening at a bottom aspect of the AGV. In this way, a UAV can land on the landing surface, and the AGV positions the object in line with a target delivery location, where the object is delivered. Aspects of the landing system comprise an electromagnet or vacuum chamber for securing the UAV to the landing surface, thereby enhancing stability of the UAV during movement of the landing system.