Curved-Surface UAV Storage With Automatic Alignment and Gripping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for storing and retrieving unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) require human intervention and are prone to damage due to water accumulation in underground facilities, especially when using ground stations.
Innovation Solution
A storage device with a curved surface and gripping mechanism that allows UAVs to autonomously align and secure themselves, combined with a UAV design featuring upward protruding wheels and a support structure for safe landing and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual hand release and catching is used to store and retrieve UAVs, then human control is maintained, but it requires skilled human hands and cannot operate autonomously
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV autonomously enters and exits the storage device without human intervention. The autonomous entry/exit unit enables the UAV to automatically navigate into the storage device, be gripped by the gripping portion, and later autonomously exit, eliminating the need for skilled manual handling while maintaining operational ease
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of hand-catching is replaced with an automated mechanical system consisting of the autonomous entry/exit unit on the UAV and the corresponding storage device with gripping portions, transforming a skill-dependent manual process into an automated mechanical interaction
2Extent of automation
If ground station is installed on the ground in underground infrastructure facilities, then autonomous storage is achieved, but water accumulation from leakage damages the UAV
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device is designed with a dome-shaped curved surface that elevates the UAV above the ground level during storage. The wheels contact the curved surface at a higher position, creating vertical separation between the UAV and potential water accumulation on the ground, thus protecting the UAV from water damage while maintaining autonomous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The storage device features a dome-shaped curved surface that naturally directs water away from the storage area and provides an elevated contact surface for the UAV wheels. This curved geometry both elevates the UAV above ground-level water accumulation and creates a shape that facilitates autonomous navigation and gripping
3Ease of operation
If UAV uses wheels to contact flat ground for storage, then simple structure is achieved, but UAV cannot autonomously align and secure itself
Solution Approach 1:
The dome-shaped curved surface of the storage device works with the wheeled support portion of the UAV to enable autonomous alignment. The curved geometry guides the wheels into proper positioning, and the gripping portions automatically engage with the UAV body, achieving autonomous alignment and securing through geometric interaction rather than complex active control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The curved surface creates a natural equilibrium position where the UAV wheels make contact at a specific height and orientation. The geometry itself provides the alignment function, making the system self-aligning without requiring complex sensors or active control, thus balancing simplicity with autonomous capability
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device (20) according to the present disclosure is a storage device that stores an unmanned aerial vehicle (30), and includes a main body portion (21) having a curved surface on which the unmanned aerial vehicle (30) is movable by bringing its wheels (302) into contact therewith, and a gripping portion (23) for gripping the unmanned aerial vehicle (30).