Aerial Drone Drop-Off Carrier With Gravity-Release Cargo Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drone delivery technologies are not optimally developed, leading to inefficiencies and the need for disposable packaging during cargo transport.
Innovation Solution
Aerial drone delivery technology comprising a drop-off carrier, docking device, and cargo receiving body that allows for horizontal positioning and guided transport of cargo, enabling efficient, automated, and packaging-free delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional drone delivery methods are used, then cargo can be transported, but disposable packaging is required and the process is not highly automated
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo transport system is segmented into modular components: a reusable outer frame structure, removable cargo receiving bodies, and disposable cargo items. This segmentation allows the frame and receiving bodies to be reused across multiple deliveries while only the cargo items are disposable, reducing packaging waste and increasing automation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Cargo receiving bodies are pre-positioned within the frame structure before the delivery mission. The cargo items are pre-placed within these receiving bodies, and the entire assembly is prepared for automated handling. This preliminary preparation enables the drone to execute fully automated pickup and delivery operations without requiring on-site packaging or manual intervention.
2Productivity
If cargo is loosely positioned in the drone, then loading is simple, but the center of gravity cannot be optimized for efficient transport
Solution Approach 1:
The system adds a horizontal positioning dimension to cargo placement. Instead of only vertical placement within the cargo bay, the frame structure includes adjustable horizontal positions for cargo receiving bodies. This allows optimization of the center of gravity in the horizontal plane, improving transport efficiency and drone stability without requiring complex active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure incorporates adjustable and movable components that allow the horizontal position of cargo receiving bodies to be modified. This dynamic adjustability enables optimization of the center of gravity position according to specific delivery requirements, balancing transport efficiency with manageable system complexity through mechanical rather than electronic control.
3Reliability
If cargo is delivered by simple drop, then the process is fast, but cargo cannot be securely held during transport
Solution Approach 1:
Cargo receiving bodies serve as intermediary containers between the cargo items and the drone's frame structure. These receiving bodies provide secure containment for cargo during transport through the drone, while the entire assembly (frame + receiving bodies + cargo) is designed for simple automated release at the destination. The intermediary receiving bodies enable reliable transport without requiring complex active holding mechanisms during flight.
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
Accelerates freight transport, reduces packaging waste, and ensures a highly automated process by optimizing cargo positioning relative to the drone's center of gravity for efficient and safe delivery.
Implementation Method 1
at least one cargo item arranged within the receiving passage loses all gravitational support and falls out of the receiving passage through the vertical access towards the ground
Data Source
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an aerial drone delivery technology comprising several method and device aspects that can be used individually or in combination. A drop-off carrier for transporting cargo (2) by means of an aerial drone (1) is proposed. The drop-off carrier (4) has a support structure (8) and a receiving passage (6). It is designed to transport at least one piece of cargo (2) in the receiving passage (6). It can be lowered from an aerial drone (1) at a destination location by means of a traction means (11) and deposited on a base (15). The drop-off carrier (4) is designed to receive a cargo receiving body (3) in the receiving passage (6) in the intended loading state and to fix it relative to the support structure (8). The cargo receiving body (3) remains on the drop-off carrier (4) until the cargo (2) has been delivered.The at least one freight item (2) is surrounded by the freight receiving body (3) in the horizontal direction (X, Y) and guided exclusively horizontally. The set-down carrier (4) has a downward-facing vertical access (7) to the receiving passage (6). This vertical access (7) is delimited by at least one controlled, movable floor surface (9). A freight delivery method provides that the at least one floor surface (9) is moved in a controlled manner into an opening position (OP1, OP2) such that at least one freight item (2) arranged within the receiving passage (6) loses all gravitational support and falls out of the receiving passage (6) through the vertical access (7) towards the ground (15). In this way, freight delivery by aerial drones can be achieved entirely without disposable packaging and in an efficient and highly automated process.