Aircraft package delivery mounting system

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity and congestion issues arise when managing multiple drones in delivery scenarios, making it difficult for drones to navigate and deliver packages efficiently and safely in congested areas.

Innovation Solution

A delivery package mounting unit system that includes infrared beacons for drone alignment, a rail system for package tray movement, and a control unit with user interface and weather sensors to facilitate safe and efficient drone landings and package deliveries, enabling secure storage and notification of delivery status.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple drones are used for package delivery, then delivery capacity and coverage are improved, but congestion and navigation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery capacityVSAvoidcongestion
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The delivery system is segmented into autonomous individual drones that operate independently with各自的 landing zones and delivery sequences, rather than managing complex multi-drone coordination in congested areas

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An automated mounting unit with infrared beacons and sensors acts as an intermediary between drones and final delivery locations, enabling drones to deposit packages automatically without manual intervention or complex navigation in congested areas

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If manual package retrieval is required, then package security and user verification are improved, but delivery time and user convenience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackage securityVSAvoiddelivery time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Packages are pre-secured in the mounting unit's storage compartment before user arrival. The system automatically notifies the user when packages are ready for retrieval, eliminating waiting time while maintaining security through pre-configured access controls

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides real-time feedback to users through notifications when packages are delivered and ready for pickup. Sensors detect package placement and user presence, automatically triggering notification sequences that reduce retrieval time while maintaining secure access protocols

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If landing zones are placed at ground level, then user accessibility is improved, but drone landing safety and precision deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser accessibilityVSAvoidlanding safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The landing zone is elevated to a height that provides drones with stable approach and landing characteristics while maintaining user accessibility through the automated opening mechanism. The mounting unit's height creates an optimal dimensional balance between drone safety and human access

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Productivity

If automated package transfer mechanisms are added, then delivery efficiency and safety are improved, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting unit autonomously performs package reception, storage, and user notification functions without requiring complex external automation systems. The infrared beacons and sensors enable the system to self-regulate drone landings and package transfers, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high delivery efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

The system allows for efficient, safe, and secure package delivery by drones, reducing congestion and ensuring correct landing and delivery processes, even in high-volume delivery areas, while maintaining user accessibility and package security.

Implementation Method 1

The landing tray can include one or more infrared beacons that facilitate the drone to align with the opening when landing on the landing tray

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS11814170B2Aircraft package delivery mounting system
Publication Date: 2023.11.14 SKYWAY TECHNOLOGIES CORP
  • US11814170B2 patent drawing
  • US11814170B2 patent drawing
  • US11814170B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods for receiving packages from drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are described. The systems can include a delivery package mounting unit, such as a unit configured to mount to the outside of a house or building, configured and adapted to facilitate the landing of a drone to the unit and receive to multiple packages from the drone and/or one or more other drones. In some embodiments, the mounting unit includes a landing tray configured to facilitate the landing of a drone to the unit, and a movable package tray configured to receive packages and other cargo from the drone.