Drone Cable Reel Module with Multi-Drive Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drones used for cargo transportation often experience motor malfunctions in extending or retracting cables, leading to delivery failures, and the cables can be easily stolen when securely connected, compromising safety and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An electrical cable reel module with a bracket, rotatable and linearly movable reel body, and multiple driving devices, including a recoil spring, to securely manage cable extension and retraction, prevent unauthorized access, and ensure safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a motor is used to extend or retract the cable, then the drone can perform cargo transportation, but the motor may malfunction leading to delivery failure
Solution Approach 1:
The cable management system is divided into multiple independent components: a reel body for cable storage, a first driving device for rotation, a second driving device for linear movement, and a third driving device with positioning mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving overall system reliability while maintaining cargo transportation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The reel body is designed to be both movable and rotatable, transitioning between different states (rotating for cable extension, moving linearly for retraction, and positioned for securement). This dynamic design enables flexible cable management operations while reducing dependency on a single motor, thereby improving reliability.
2Productivity
If the cable is securely connected to the drone for cargo delivery, then cargo transportation is enabled, but the drone becomes vulnerable to theft
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device is pre-configured to secure the reel body in specific positions. Before cargo delivery, the system can preliminarily secure the reel body to prevent unauthorized cable access. The through hole in the reel body allows for controlled cable extension while maintaining security, enabling cargo delivery without compromising against theft.
Solution Approach 2:
The reel body acts as an intermediary between the drone and the cable. It controls cable extension and retraction while maintaining secure connection to the drone. The positioning device further mediates by securing the reel body in specific positions, creating a layered security mechanism that enables cargo delivery while preventing theft.
3Reliability
If multiple driving devices are added to improve cable management, then reliability and safety are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each driving device is designed with multi-functionality: the first driving device rotates the reel body for cable extension, the second driving device moves the reel body linearly for retraction, and the third driving device with positioning mechanisms provides both movement control and securement functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, managing complexity while enhancing reliability.
4Productivity
If the reel body is made movable and rotatable for flexible cable management, then operational efficiency is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable and rotatable capabilities of the reel body are merged into a single integrated structure. The reel body combines linear movement functionality (via the second driving device) and rotational functionality (via the first driving device) in one component, rather than using separate mechanisms. This merging approach improves cable management efficiency while minimizing structural complexity.
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
Enhances the safety and efficiency of drone operations by securely managing cable extension and retraction, preventing theft, and allowing for reliable cargo delivery while minimizing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a third driving device mounted on the bracket and close to the first driving device to drive the reel body to move linearly in a second direction opposite to that of the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical cable reel module for a drone includes a bracket adapted to be firmly fixed to the drone. A reel body is movably and rotatably mounted on the bracket. A first driving device is mounted on one side of the bracket to drive the reel body to rotate and a second driving device is mounted on the other side of the bracket to drive the reel body to move linearly in a first direction. A third driving device is mounted on the bracket to drive the reel body to move linearly in a second direction opposite to that of the first direction. At least one positioning device is mounted among the reel body, the first driving device and the second driving device to selectively drive the reel body to rotate and prevent the reel body from movement and rotation.