AGV-Based UAV Landing System with Lock Mechanism for Secure Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UAV landing systems face challenges in precisely aligning and securing UAVs for efficient delivery operations, particularly in ensuring accurate placement and stabilization of UAVs during movement.
Innovation Solution
The proposed landing system includes a landing surface with multiple landing gear receiving sites, each equipped with a lock mechanism that moves between two positions to secure the UAV's landing gear, and an autonomous ground vehicle (AGV) that facilitates the movement and alignment of the UAV and its payload for delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lock mechanism is added to secure the UAV to the landing surface, then the stability and precision of UAV placement is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is designed to automatically engage with the landing gear upon UAV touchdown and can be automatically disengaged for takeoff. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex manual intervention systems while maintaining secure attachment during transport and precise positioning capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The landing system is divided into modular components: the landing surface with integrated locks, the UAV with detachable landing gear, and the AGV for transport. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system by allowing the UAV to carry its own landing gear rather than requiring integrated attachment mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the UAV carries its own landing gear, then the adaptability and ease of operation are improved, but the weight of the moving object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The landing gear is designed as a universal component that can be attached to various UAV configurations and works with the standardized landing surface locks. This multi-functionality allows the same landing gear design to serve multiple UAV models and delivery scenarios, justifying the weight addition through increased system versatility and ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the lock moves between two positions to secure the landing gear, then the ease of operation for loading and unloading is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism features a movable element that transitions between two positions: engaged with the landing gear for secure transport and disengaged for loading/unloading operations. This dynamic capability enables automated or semi-automated locking and unlocking sequences, simplifying operations while the mechanical design keeps the moving parts minimal to control complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances the precision and stability of UAV placement, reduces the demand for precise navigation by the UAV, and facilitates efficient loading and unloading of objects, thereby improving the overall delivery process.
Implementation Method 1
The lock is biased toward the first position. As such, the lock moves to the second position to allow a landing gear of the UAV to be received by the landing gear receiving site, and is moved to the first position where it mates with a groove of the landing gear, thereby securing the UAV to the landing system.
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.