Battery-Powered Payload Container for Continuous UAV Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) often require frequent recharging or battery swaps during deliveries, disrupting delivery operations, especially when carrying items like blood or lab samples across healthcare institutions.

Innovation Solution

A payload container and case system for UAVs that includes a battery pack, allowing the UAV to continue flight by attaching a case with a pre-charged battery, which can be conveniently charged separately from the UAV, reducing the need for mid-delivery recharging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If battery power sources are used for UAVs, then UAVs can fly over long distances, but frequent recharging or battery swaps are required during deliveries

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflight durationVSAvoiddelivery operation interruption

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The power system is segmented into multiple battery packs that can be independently attached to or removed from the UAV. Each battery pack functions as an independent power unit, allowing one battery to be used while another is recharged, thereby eliminating delivery interruptions without reducing flight duration capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Depleted battery packs are quickly detached and replaced with pre-charged battery packs during delivery operations. The discarded depleted batteries are then recovered and recharged separately, enabling continuous operation without waiting for on-site recharging and maintaining long-distance flight capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

2Adaptability or versatility

If a battery pack is integrated into the case, then the case provides power source for the UAV, but the case structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply capabilityVSAvoidcase structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The case is designed with universal attachment mechanisms that allow it to serve multiple functions: carrying payloads and providing power supply through integrated battery packs. The same case structure can accommodate different battery configurations and payload types without requiring complex specialized designs, achieving adaptability without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The battery pack is nested within or attached to the case structure, with the battery case fitting inside or alongside the payload case. This nested arrangement integrates power supply functionality into the existing case without requiring separate complex mounting systems, balancing adaptability and structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the battery pack is wrapped around a cylinder portion of the case, then power source is provided for the UAV, but the design flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower integrationVSAvoidcase design flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The battery pack adopts an asymmetric cylindrical design that wraps around the case portion, optimizing space utilization and power distribution. This asymmetric form factor provides adequate power integration capability while the modular nature allows for standardized manufacturing processes, balancing power integration with manufacturing ease

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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 system enables continuous delivery operations by providing a power source directly from the case or payload container, minimizing interruptions and enhancing delivery efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The case includes a battery pack that, when the case is secured to the UAV, is configured to provide a power source for the UAV

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 2

The payload container has a cushioned bumper at the front to soften the impact of the case when inserted

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCushioning: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS12451550B2Payload container with power supply for unmanned systems

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICAN INC

AI summary

A case for carrying loads by an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) comprises a first end comprising a first cap and a first opening and a second end comprising a second cap and a second opening, the second opening being smaller than the first opening. The case also comprises a rechargeable battery pack that, when the case is secured to the UAV, is configured to provide a power source for the UAV and the first cap and the second cap each comprising at least one metal connector for providing power to the UAV.