Industrial Drone with Segmented Distribution Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current drones are limited in their ability to perform multiple tasks efficiently in difficult-to-access or dangerous areas without requiring complex infrastructure or operator safety risks.

Innovation Solution

A drone system with a centralized control system, multiple rotors for stable hovering and navigation, and a distribution device with compartments for various tasks, allowing for autonomous or remote operation with cameras and lighting for task execution, enabling efficient task completion in hard-to-reach areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a drone is equipped with multiple task-specific devices and complex infrastructure, then task capability is improved, but device complexity and infrastructure requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetask capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a distribution device with multiple compartments that can successively perform different tasks (depositing objects, spraying fluids, releasing gases) from a single integrated structure. This multi-functional design allows the drone to carry out diverse industrial tasks without requiring separate specialized devices for each function, thereby improving versatility while controlling complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The distribution device is divided into multiple compartments, each dedicated to a specific task or material. This segmentation allows independent management of different tasks while maintaining a unified device structure, enabling the drone to perform multiple tasks sequentially without requiring complete device reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If operator safety is prioritized by using drones in dangerous areas, then operator safety is improved, but task execution capability may be limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator safetyVSAvoidtask execution capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The drone is designed with a universal distribution device that can perform multiple industrial tasks (depositing, spraying, releasing) in hazardous environments. This allows the drone to replace human operators in dangerous areas while maintaining comprehensive task execution capability across different industrial applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If rapid task performance is achieved through complex infrastructure, then productivity is improved, but infrastructure requirements and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetask performance speedVSAvoidinfrastructure needs
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution device compartments are pre-configured with task-specific materials and mechanisms before deployment. This preliminary preparation allows the drone to execute tasks rapidly upon arrival at the target location without requiring complex on-site infrastructure setup or time-consuming reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

By segmenting the distribution device into specialized compartments, each optimized for a specific task, the system enables rapid task execution while avoiding the need for complex integrated systems. Each compartment can be independently activated as needed, improving productivity without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables rapid and safe performance of multiple tasks in challenging environments, reducing operator risk and infrastructure needs, with a lightweight and easily transportable design.

Implementation Method 1

Each rotor can be rotated independently by a motor and controlled by a centralized control system. A drone comprising one or more rotors makes it possible in particular to perform stationary flights or flights at low forward speeds

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAerodynamic lift: Aerofoil

Implementation Method 2

A drone comprises for example a fixed wing and can use different types of propulsion such as one or more reactors or one or more propellers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAerodynamic propulsion: Jet

Implementation Method 3

The air vector comprises at least one lift and propulsion rotor and a centralized control system provided in particular with devices for positioning in its environment and with navigation and piloting devices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 4

Each rotor is preferably driven by an electric motor, but can however be driven by a heat engine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAerodynamic drag: Drag

Data Source

PatentEP3476733B1Industrial activity drone
Publication Date: 2020.08.12 EUROCOPTER FRANCE SA
  • EP3476733B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3476733B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3476733B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention relates to an industrial drone (10) comprising an aerial vehicle (1) equipped with at least one rotor (11), an activity system (2), and a device for attaching said activity system (2) to said aerial vehicle (1). Said activity system (2) comprises a structure (21), a computer (23), a working camera (7) fixed relative to said aerial vehicle (10) and enabling a view of a work area, a distribution device (24) comprising several compartments (31, 32, 33, 34), and a rotary motor (29) enabling relative rotation of said distribution device (24) with respect to said aerial vehicle (10).The said industrial activity drone (10) performs a hovering flight so that the said working camera (7) is located facing a work area and the said distribution device (24) is oriented so that the said compartment (31,32,33,34) to be used is facing the said work area and thus performs one or more tasks.