Automated Drone Charging Station Robotic Manipulator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual loading and unloading of free-flying autonomously controlled drones is time-consuming and requires large spaces, limiting efficiency and operational flexibility in applications like postal and parcel services.

Innovation Solution

An automated device comprising a landing platform, a multi-link robotic manipulator with an effector for object handling, and a controller for coordinating the robot's actions with the drone, allowing for efficient loading and unloading of objects from a free-flying autonomously controlled drone, including a storage apparatus and obstacle scanning for precise drone guidance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual loading and unloading is used, then operators can handle drones, but time is expended and large spaces are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual operation capabilityVSAvoidtime for loading and unloading

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The drone performs self-service by autonomously landing on the platform, positioning itself, and enabling automatic object transfer through integrated sensors and control systems that eliminate the need for manual handling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical operation by operators is replaced with an automated robotic system comprising a robotic arm with gripper, controlled by a control unit that receives signals from the drone and automatically transfers objects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If manual loading and unloading is used, then operators can handle drones, but large spaces are required for freedom of movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual operation capabilityVSAvoidspace for loading and unloading

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The drone autonomously navigates to and lands on the compact platform, positioning itself using onboard sensors and GPS, eliminating the need for large operator movement spaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The automated robotic arm performs all object handling operations within the confined platform space, replacing the need for operator freedom of movement in large areas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If automated robotic manipulator is used, then loading and unloading time is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading and unloading efficiencyVSAvoidrobotic manipulator system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic manipulator is designed with multi-functionality, capable of both placing objects on the drone and retrieving objects from it, reducing the need for separate specialized mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit receives feedback signals from the drone's control unit regarding landing status and object transfer completion, enabling coordinated automated operation without complex human intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11420740B2Device for the automated charging and discharging of a free-flying autonomously controlled drone

Publication Date: 2022.08.23 MERCEDES BENZ GROUP AG

AI summary

A device for the automated charging and discharging of an object on a free-flying autonomously controlled drone includes a landing platform for the drone, a storage device for storing objects, a robot where the robot is configured to remove an object from the storage apparatus in an automated manner and to provide the object on the landing platform to be picked up by the drone and is configured to pick up in an automated manner an object that is provided on the landing platform by the drone and to deposit the object in the storage apparatus, and a controller where the robot is controllable by the controller.