Drone Hoist Hook With Automatic Latching and Generator Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hoist hooks for drones are prone to unintentionally open during flight, leading to accidental dropping of articles, and there is a need for a mechanism to securely transport and efficiently release articles without human intervention.

Innovation Solution

A hoist hook design featuring a latch mechanism that automatically locks and unlocks hooks based on load changes, combined with a generator providing resistance to vertical movement to prevent unintended opening, ensuring secure transport and efficient article release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a simple hoist hook structure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of preventing unintentional opening deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidprevention of unintentional opening

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic locking mechanism where the latch plate automatically engages with the latch groove when the hook closes, and disengages when the hook opens. This dynamic interaction provides reliable prevention of unintentional opening without requiring complex additional components, as the mechanism uses the natural motion of the hook itself to activate the locking and unlocking actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The latch plate acts as an intermediary element between the hook and the main body. It mediates the connection by providing a movable locking surface that interacts with the latch groove, enabling reliable engagement and disengagement without requiring direct rigid connection between the hook and main body, thus preventing unintentional opening while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If an automatic latch mechanism is added to prevent unintentional opening, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of unintentional openingVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism is designed to be dynamically activated by the natural closing and opening motions of the hook. The latch plate moves automatically with the hook's motion, engaging with the latch groove during closing and disengaging during opening, eliminating the need for external actuators or complex control systems while maintaining high reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The latch mechanism serves itself by using the hook's own motion to activate the locking and unlocking actions. The closing motion of the hook automatically drives the latch plate into the latch groove, and the opening motion automatically pulls it out, requiring no external power source, control system, or additional actuators, thus achieving reliable operation with minimal complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If a generator is added to provide resistance to vertical movement, then the reliability of preventing accidental drops improves, but the device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of accidental dropsVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical resistance mechanisms with a generator that provides resistance through electromagnetic principles. The generator creates a braking effect on the vertical movement of the hook through electromagnetic induction, providing reliable prevention of accidental drops without requiring complex mechanical dampers, springs, or friction-based resistance systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If a latch mechanism with generator is implemented, then the reliability of secure transport improves, but the weight of the hoist hook increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure transportVSAvoidhoist hook weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The generator provides secure transport through electromagnetic resistance rather than heavy mechanical braking or damping systems. This substitution allows for reliable prevention of accidental drops with significantly reduced weight compared to traditional mechanical resistance mechanisms, as the generator can be compact and lightweight while providing sufficient braking force through electromagnetic principles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250263273A1Hoist hook and transporting method of article using the hoist hook

Publication Date: 2025.08.21 NHK SPRING CO LTD

AI summary

A hoist hook includes a main plate, a first slide plate, a second slide plate, a first base, a second base, a pair of hooks, a generator, and a rack. The first slide plate and the second slide plate are fixed to each other and are configured to be suspended from a radio-controlled unmanned aircraft and to slide vertically relative to the main plate while sandwiching the main plate. The first base and the second base are fixed to each other and are configured to slide vertically relative to the main plate while sandwiching the main plate. The pair of hooks are each rotatably linked to the first base and the second base. The generator is rotatably fixed to the main plate. The rack is linked to the generator and is fixed to the first slide plate.