Automated Drone Handling for High-Throughput Launch Preparation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manual and time-consuming processes of managing and launching drones, including storage, configuration, inspection, and launching, lead to inefficiencies and increased risks of damage or error, especially when dealing with multiple drones and limited flight endurance.

Innovation Solution

An automated system comprising robotic arms, storage facilities, inspection systems, payload management, equipment swapping, and launch/landing systems, which allows for automated drone handling, charging, inspection, payload loading, and launching from a single location, reducing human intervention and increasing operational efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual drone handling and configuration processes are used, then personnel can perform tasks with flexibility, but the process becomes time-consuming and reduces productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveManual drone handling flexibilityVSAvoidDrone launch rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables drones to be automatically handled, configured, and launched without manual intervention. The automated drone handling system performs tasks such as retrieving drones from storage, transporting them to launch pads, and managing battery swaps autonomously, eliminating the need for personnel to manually handle each drone while significantly increasing the launch rate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated robotic system. The automated handling system uses robotic mechanisms for drone transport, positioning, and battery exchange, substituting human labor with automated machinery to improve efficiency and throughput

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple drones are prepared manually in sequence, then configuration can be done carefully, but delays increase and limit the number of drones launched per time period

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveConfiguration accuracyVSAvoidPreparation delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The automated system enables continuous drone preparation and launch operations. While one drone is being launched, the system simultaneously retrieves the next drone from storage, transports it, and prepares it for launch. This continuous operation eliminates idle time between launches while maintaining configuration accuracy through automated processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning drones in storage locations and pre-charging batteries before they are needed. Drones are kept ready in the storage facility with charged batteries, so when a launch is required, the system can quickly retrieve a pre-prepared drone without delays for charging or positioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If battery-powered drones are used, then operational flexibility is improved, but flight endurance is limited and frequent recharging is required

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveOperational flexibilityVSAvoidFlight endurance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a battery swap mechanism where depleted batteries are automatically replaced with charged batteries. When a drone returns with a depleted battery, the automated handling system retrieves the drone, swaps the depleted battery for a charged one, and returns the drone to service. This allows drones to maintain operational flexibility while effectively extending their operational duration through rapid battery replacement rather than lengthy recharging

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

4Productivity

If automated systems are implemented, then productivity and safety are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDrone management efficiencyVSAvoidSystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated drone handling system is designed as a multi-functional system that performs multiple operations: retrieving drones from storage, transporting them to launch pads, monitoring battery status, executing battery swaps, and managing drone positioning. This universal system handles all aspects of drone preparation and launch automation in one integrated platform, improving productivity while managing complexity through consolidation rather than proliferation of separate systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12006159B2Systems and methods for drone management

Publication Date: 2024.06.11 VERIZON PATENT & LICENSING INC

AI summary

A system includes a storage facility configured to store drones. The system may also include at least one robotic element configured to move the drones to and from the storage facility and a conveyor configured to move the drones to a launching area. The at least one robotic element may include an articulating arm configured to move a first drone from the storage facility to the conveyor, in response to identifying that the first drone is selected for a flight.