Guided Lift System Tether Control for Payload Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned aerial vehicles used for payload lifting and transportation require skilled operators and complex sensor suites, leading to increased cost, weight, and reliability issues due to the need for precise maneuvering in limited spaces with limited visibility.
Innovation Solution
A guided lift system utilizing a lift vehicle with control tethers anchored to fixed control units, allowing for precise control of payload movement via motorized winch assemblies, eliminating the need for extensive sensor suites and skilled operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If unmanned aerial vehicles are used for payload lifting and transportation, then payload delivery capability is achieved, but system complexity and operational difficulty increase due to requirement for skilled operators and complex sensor suites
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces control tethers as intermediary elements that connect the lift vehicle to fixed control units. These tethers serve as mediators that transmit control forces and constraints, eliminating the need for complex onboard sensors and skilled operators. The tethers physically guide and constrain the lift vehicle's movement, providing simple yet effective control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The lift vehicle is equipped with onboard propulsion and lift capabilities that enable it to autonomously navigate and position itself within the constraints provided by the control tethers. The vehicle's own propulsion system serves the control function, eliminating the need for external complex control systems or skilled operators to manually control the vehicle.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex sensor suites are installed on lift vehicles for precise maneuvering, then maneuvering precision is improved, but vehicle weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control tethers act as external intermediaries that provide physical constraints and guidance for the lift vehicle. Instead of relying on onboard sensors to achieve precision, the tethers externally enforce precise movement paths and positioning, thereby achieving maneuvering precision without adding sensor weight to the vehicle.
3Manufacturing precision
If skilled operators are required to control lift vehicles in limited spaces with limited visibility, then control precision is improved, but operational complexity and training requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control tethers connected to fixed control units serve as intermediaries that automatically enforce precise control of the lift vehicle. The fixed control units manage the tether lengths and tensions to guide the vehicle, replacing the need for skilled human operators to manually control the vehicle in difficult conditions.
4Force
If aerostatic or aerodynamic lift vehicles are used, then lift capability is achieved, but control complexity increases due to need for precise altitude and attitude management
Solution Approach 1:
The control tethers serve as external intermediaries that physically constrain and guide the lift vehicle's movement in three-dimensional space. By anchoring the tethers to fixed control units, the system externally manages the vehicle's position and orientation, eliminating the need for complex onboard control systems to manage altitude and attitude.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods provide for a guided lift system utilized for maneuvering payloads. According to aspects of the disclosure, a guided lift system may include a lift unit attached to a payload, at least two control tethers attached to the lift unit, and at least two control units fixed in positions and capable of adjusting the lengths of the control tethers. Coordinated length adjustments of the control tethers pulls the lift unit and payload in a desired direction to a desired delivery location.