Collaborative Drone System for Extended Delivery Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drone-based package delivery systems face limitations in cargo weight due to lift capability and fuel efficiency, with single drones often struggling to balance vertical takeoff and cruising efficiency, leading to restricted delivery distances and payload capacities.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where multiple drones collaborate, with a lift drone handling vertical takeoff and descent, and a carrier drone optimized for cruising, allowing for in-air payload transfer and load sharing to extend range and capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a single drone is optimized for vertical takeoff and landing, then lift capability is improved, but delivery distance is limited due to battery constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system is divided into two specialized drones: a lift drone optimized for vertical takeoff and landing operations, and a carrier drone optimized for long-distance cruising. This segmentation allows each drone to excel at its specific function without compromise, resolving the contradiction between lift capability and delivery distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The lift drone performs multiple functions including vertical takeoff, payload lifting, and in-air payload transfer, while the carrier drone handles long-distance transport and delivery. This multi-functional assignment within a collaborative system enables both drones to contribute their specialized capabilities to achieve the overall delivery objective.
2Length of moving object
If a single drone is optimized for travel distance, then delivery range is extended, but vertical lift capability is compromised requiring a runway
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates vertical lift functions (handled by the lift drone with robust propulsion for vertical flight) from long-distance travel functions (handled by the carrier drone with efficient cruising capabilities). This segmentation eliminates the need for a runway while extending delivery range, as each drone is optimized for its specific operational requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The lift drone acts as an intermediary that provides vertical lift capability to the payload, enabling the carrier drone to focus on long-distance travel without needing runway infrastructure. The lift drone mediates between the ground and the carrier drone, transferring the payload in mid-air.
3Quantity of substance
If a single drone carries heavy payload, then cargo capacity is increased, but energy consumption exceeds available fuel capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The payload carrying function is segmented between two drones: the lift drone provides initial vertical lift for the payload, and the carrier drone transports it over long distances. This segmentation distributes the energy consumption burden, allowing the system to carry heavier payloads than a single drone could manage alone, as each drone only needs sufficient fuel for its specific segment of the journey.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the capabilities of two drones with different energy profiles and payload capacities into a unified delivery system. By combining their respective strengths, the collaborative system achieves greater total cargo capacity and extended range than either drone could accomplish independently.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods may include a lift drone and a carrier drone to convey a payload. The lift drone may vertically lift the payload, alone or with the carrier drone, to a transfer location. The carrier drone may receive control of the payload at the transfer location, such as by receiving physical transfer of the payload, taking over conveyance of the payload from the lift drone, or the like. The lift drone may remain coupled with the payload or the carrier drone or may decouple after transfer.