Drone Load Connector for Downwash-Stable Suspended Cargo

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for carrying loads with aerial vehicles, such as fixing or suspending loads, result in instability due to downwash from rotors, making it difficult to stabilize the load and control the vehicle efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A load connector is used to suspend and stabilize the posture of the load by adjusting its position and orientation using adjustable supports, airflow, and sensors to counteract the effects of downwash.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the load is suspended from the aerial vehicle, then the process of attaching and detaching the load becomes simple and efficient, but the load and wires swing like a pendulum due to downwash, decreasing stability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of attaching and detaching loadVSAvoidstability of the aerial vehicle

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A load connector is introduced as an intermediary device between the aerial vehicle and the load. The load connector includes an inclined portion that redirects downwash airflow away from the load, preventing the load and supporting wires from swinging like a pendulum. This mediator structure enables simple load attachment/detachment while maintaining system stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The downwash airflow, which originally caused harmful swinging of the load, is converted into a beneficial force. The inclined portion of the load connector redirects this downwash to flow along its surface, using the airflow itself to press the load against the connector and stabilize it, transforming the harmful effect into a stabilizing mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the load is fixed to the aerial vehicle, then the stability of the aerial vehicle is maintained, but the process of attaching and detaching the load becomes complicated and requires landing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of the aerial vehicleVSAvoidefficiency of attaching and detaching load

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The load connector serves as a mediator that combines features of both fixed and suspended loading methods. It allows the load to be suspended for easy attachment/detachment while the inclined portion redirects downwash to provide stabilizing pressure, eliminating the need for landing and complex fixed attachment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static fixed attachment to dynamic suspended attachment with active stabilization. The load connector dynamically adjusts to downwash forces, using the airflow to maintain stability while allowing simple mechanical connection for efficient load changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the load is suspended from the aerial vehicle without stabilization, then attachment and detachment are efficient, but the load swings due to downwash making control difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of attaching and detaching loadVSAvoidease of controlling the aerial vehicle

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The downwash airflow that causes harmful swinging is converted into a beneficial stabilizing force. The inclined portion redirects the airflow to press the load against the load connector, using the same airflow to both propel the aerial vehicle and stabilize the suspended load, improving ease of control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The load connector acts as a mediator between the downwash airflow and the load, redirecting the airflow to stabilize the load. This intermediary structure eliminates the swinging problem while maintaining efficient suspended attachment, making the aerial vehicle easier to control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The load connector effectively stabilizes the posture of the suspended load, allowing efficient attachment and detachment without landing, by adjusting its position and orientation to counteract downwash effects.

Implementation Method 1

While an aerial vehicle flies, downwash is generated by rotors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDownwash:

Implementation Method 2

airflow (downwash) generated by the rotors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAirflow:

Implementation Method 3

the inclined portion of the load connector is pressed downward by airflow (downwash) generated by the rotors. Accordingly, the load is pressed by the load connector, and swinging of the load is reduced or prevented

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDownward force from airflow:

Implementation Method 4

a posture sensor configured to detect the posture of the load

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPosture detection:

Implementation Method 5

the load connector is configured to adjust the posture of the load by adjusting a length of at least one of the supports from the body to the load connector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical adjustment:

Data Source

PatentUS20250340297A1Aerial vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.11.06 KUBOTA CORP

AI summary

An aerial vehicle flies while carrying a load and includes a body including a plurality of rotors, and a load connector connected to the body, supports the load, and adjusts the posture of the load.