Folded Location Marker Structure for Gust-Resistant UAV Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) face challenges in accurately navigating to delivery locations due to GPS inaccuracies and environmental factors like wind gusts, which can displace or obscure landing markers, leading to potential delivery errors, especially when locations are close together.
Innovation Solution
A portable location marker that can be configured with folds and apertures to resist wind gusts, providing a stable and identifiable surface for UAVs to determine the delivery location, which includes instructions for deployment and integration into shipping containers, allowing for precise delivery even in adverse conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a portable location marker is used to guide UAV deliveries, then the flexibility and ease of deployment are improved, but the marker's stability against wind gusts and downwash deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The location marker utilizes a thin film structure that can be easily deployed and carried, yet incorporates aerodynamic features that allow it to resist wind gusts and downwash forces. The thin film nature provides portability while the shaped configuration with folds creates stability against environmental forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The location marker is configured with specific curved surfaces and folds that create aerodynamic stability. The curvature of the marker surfaces helps deflect wind gusts and downwash, preventing the marker from being easily displaced while maintaining its portable, thin-film construction.
2Device complexity
If GPS is used for UAV navigation, then the system complexity is reduced, but the delivery location accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The location marker serves as an intermediary reference object between the UAV's GPS navigation system and the final delivery location. The marker provides a visual confirmation and precise reference point that complements GPS data, enabling the UAV to accurately identify and navigate to the exact delivery spot despite GPS limitations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If permanent landing markers are used, then the marker stability is improved, but the adaptability to different delivery locations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The location marker transitions from a static permanent fixture to a dynamic portable element that can be deployed at various delivery locations. The marker maintains its structural stability through aerodynamic design features while gaining the flexibility to be positioned anywhere, adapting to different delivery scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable location marker serves multiple functions: it provides visual guidance for UAV navigation, acts as a reference point for precise location identification, and can be deployed at any delivery location. This universal applicability replaces the need for location-specific permanent markers.
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 solution enhances the accuracy and reliability of UAV deliveries by providing a stable and identifiable location marker that can withstand wind gusts and downwash, ensuring precise parcel placement, even in challenging environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of apertures is formed in the top surface next to one or more of the edges
Implementation Method 2
A portable location marker may include an upper generally flat top surface that has edges. A sidewall may extend from each of the edges downwardly, and may form an obtuse angle with the top surface
Data Source
AI summary
A location marker may be used to provide information to a vehicle, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The location marker may be configured with folds and or apertures to provide aerodynamics that prevent or minimize movement of the location marker when subjected to moving air, such as wind or downwash created by the UAV. A location marker may be delivered to an address prior to a parcel delivery by a UAV, and may form a part of the packaging of a prior parcel delivery. Alternatively, a location marker may be delivered to an address electronically and printed and configured into a gust-resistant shape and placed in a suitable location to provide information to a UAV.