Winch-Suspended Robot Arm for Air Mobility Cargo Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air mobility cargo loading and unloading systems require human intervention and are inefficient in locations without landing sites, posing challenges for safe and automated cargo handling.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a winch and a multiarticulated robot arm with a gripper, installed in an air mobility vehicle, allows for automated cargo loading and unloading without landing, using a winch to suspend the robot arm and gripper, and includes a controller for precise cargo handling and positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated cargo loading and unloading apparatus is installed in air mobility vehicle, then cargo handling automation is improved, but device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the winch mechanism and multiarticulated robot arm into an integrated cargo handling system. The winch provides suspension and positioning capabilities while the robot arm performs precise cargo manipulation, merging two functional systems into a coordinated automated apparatus that reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high automation levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiarticulated robot arm serves multiple functions including cargo gripping, positioning, and transfer operations. The gripper at the end of the robot arm can handle various cargo types and configurations, providing universal applicability across different cargo loading and unloading scenarios, thereby improving automation without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiarticulated robot arm is suspended from winch, then cargo handling precision is improved, but device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The winch acts as an intermediary mechanism between the air mobility vehicle structure and the multiarticulated robot arm. It provides controlled suspension and positioning of the robot arm, enabling precise cargo handling through coordinated winch drum rotation and robot arm articulation, while simplifying the overall support structure compared to direct mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiarticulated robot arm provides dynamic positioning capabilities with multiple degrees of freedom, allowing adaptive adjustment to various cargo positions and configurations. The articulated joints enable precise movement control while maintaining structural efficiency, improving positioning precision without requiring an overly complex rigid structure.
3Productivity
If cargo loading and unloading is performed without landing, then operational efficiency is improved, but safety requirements are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning of the robot arm and gripper before cargo contact, and preliminary stabilization of the cargo once gripped. The winch mechanism pre-positions the robot arm at the optimal location, and the controlled winding provides continuous stabilization during cargo transfer, ensuring safety throughout the automated loading and unloading process without requiring landing.
Solution Approach 2:
The coordinated control system monitors the positions of the winch drum, robot arm joints, and gripper in real-time, providing continuous feedback for safety verification. The system adjusts operations based on detected cargo weight, position, and stability, ensuring safe cargo handling while maintaining high operational efficiency during aerial loading and unloading.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for loading and unloading cargo of air mobility, in which cargo loading and unloading may be automated without the aid of human resources, as well as enabling loading and unloading of cargo in a required location without an air mobility landing. The apparatus includes a winch installed in a cargo hold of an air mobility, a multiarticulated robot arm suspended from the winch, and a gripper provided on an end of the multiarticulated robot arm and capable of gripping a container.