Mid-Air Drone Payload Transfer via Cone Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for package delivery by autonomous drones are limited by range and regulatory restrictions, making it difficult to deliver payloads beyond the capabilities of a single drone or to destinations with specific authorization requirements.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for in-flight payload transfer between autonomous drones, where one drone with a transfer member and controller can align and engage with another drone to transfer a payload, allowing for extended delivery ranges and compliance with regulatory requirements by enabling intermediate transfers without landing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a single drone is used for package delivery, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the delivery range is limited by the drone's battery and regulatory restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system is segmented into multiple independent drones that can operate autonomously. Instead of one drone attempting to cover the entire distance, the delivery route is divided into segments, with each drone responsible for a portion of the journey. This allows the system to achieve extended delivery ranges while maintaining relatively simple individual drone designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The payload transfer mechanism uses a nested structure where the transferring drone's payload bay contains a transfer arm with a coupling device that can receive and secure the incoming drone's payload bay. This nested arrangement enables efficient mid-air transfers without requiring complex external attachment mechanisms.
2Length of moving object
If intermediate transfers between drones are implemented, then the delivery range is extended, but the coordination and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drones are equipped with autonomous navigation and self-positioning capabilities that allow them to independently locate and align with each other for payload transfers. The coupling devices automatically engage when drones are in proper alignment, reducing the need for manual coordination and simplifying the operation of multi-drone transfers.
Solution Approach 2:
The drones use sensor systems to continuously monitor their relative positions and orientations during approach and transfer operations. This feedback information is used by the control systems to make real-time adjustments, ensuring precise alignment and successful coupling without requiring complex manual intervention.
3Manufacturing precision
If drones maintain precise orientation for payload transfer, then the transfer accuracy is high, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The payload bays of both drones are oriented to be substantially parallel to each other during the transfer operation, creating an equipotential alignment that simplifies the coupling process. This parallel orientation arrangement reduces the complexity of the control system by eliminating the need for complex angular adjustments and misalignment compensation mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects include a system for transferring a payload between drones. The system includes a first aerial drone having a first transfer member and a first controller. The first controller including a processor configured to change a first altitude and first orientation of the first aerial drone. A second aerial drone is provided having a second transfer member and a second controller, the second transfer member having a cone member on one end, the second transfer member being configured to receive the payload. The second controller including a processor configured to change a second altitude and a second orientation of the second aerial drone. The controllers cooperate to dispose the first transfer member within the cone member and transfer the payload from the first aerial drone to the second aerial drone.