Drone Payload Release Assembly with Segmented Fingers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drone payload release assemblies are limited in their capacity to support and deliver multiple payloads, requiring significant reconfiguration and are not reliable for efficient payload release.
Innovation Solution
A payload release assembly with a body of fingers forming retention pockets and a motor-driven release pin that progressively disengages from these pockets, allowing for selective release of multiple payloads, integrated with a drone via an attachment assembly and powered by the drone's power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a drone is adapted to interface with a specific payload release assembly, then the payload release function is achieved, but significant reconfiguration of the drone is required
Solution Approach 1:
The payload release assembly is designed with a universal interface that can be attached to various drone types without requiring drone reconfiguration. The assembly includes a mounting bracket with attachment features that accommodate different drone configurations, allowing the same payload release mechanism to serve multiple drone platforms.
2Quantity of substance
If a payload release assembly is designed for single payload delivery, then the release mechanism is simple, but the quantity of payloads that can be supported is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The payload release assembly incorporates multiple independent payload retention pockets arranged in series along the body. Each pocket can independently retain and release a payload, allowing the system to deliver multiple payloads sequentially without requiring multiple separate release mechanisms. The segmentation is achieved through divided fingers that create distinct retention spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple payload retention capabilities are merged into a single integrated release mechanism. The motor-driven release pin operates all payload pockets simultaneously through a unified linkage system, combining the function of multiple release mechanisms into one coordinated system that reduces overall complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the release pin disengages from all openings simultaneously, then the release action is quick, but selective release of individual payloads is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The release pin is designed to move dynamically through the sequence of openings rather than disengaging from all openings simultaneously. The motor controls the release pin to progressively move from one opening to the next, enabling selective release of individual payloads while maintaining a relatively quick overall release process. This dynamic sequencing allows flexible payload delivery timing.
Data Source
AI summary
A payload release assembly is disclosed. The payload release assembly includes a body defining a plurality of fingers each defining an opening. A plurality of payload retention pockets are defined between adjacent fingers of the plurality of fingers. A release pin is dimensioned to be received within the openings defined by the plurality of fingers. A motor is adapted to drive the release pin into engagement and out of engagement with the openings defined by the plurality of fingers, such that payloads secured within the payload retention pockets are released from the payload release assembly when the motor drives the release pin out of engagement with a respective opening defined by the plurality of fingers.