Inflatable Pharmaceutical Package for UAV Shock And Thermal Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current package delivery systems, particularly for pharmaceutical containers, face challenges in ensuring safe and efficient delivery using land-based vehicles, and there is a need for innovative methods to handle aerial delivery methods like drones, which require secure and controlled package handling systems.
Innovation Solution
A pharmaceutical package design featuring an inflatable structure with a gas chamber for thermal insulation and shock absorption, combined with a catcher system that includes a chute and controller for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to securely receive and deliver packages, utilizing communication ports and actuators for controlled door operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an inflatable gas chamber structure is used in the pharmaceutical package, then thermal insulation and shock absorption are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas chamber is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides thermal insulation to maintain pharmaceutical temperature, absorbs shock during aerial delivery, and maintains package structural integrity. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by achieving reliable protection without requiring separate systems for each protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
The package utilizes an inflatable gas chamber with flexible housing structures that can deform to absorb impact forces during aerial delivery. The flexible shell design provides both structural integrity and shock absorption, reducing the need for complex rigid protective structures while maintaining reliability.
2Ease of operation
If a catcher system with controlled door operation is implemented for UAV delivery, then package reception control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catcher system incorporates automatic door operation controlled by a controller that receives signals from the UAV. The system autonomously opens the door when the UAV approaches, allows package deposition, then closes the door automatically. This self-service capability improves ease of operation while minimizing the need for manual intervention, offsetting the added device complexity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The catcher system uses a controller with communication ports that receive signals from the UAV to trigger door actuation. This feedback mechanism ensures the door opens at the appropriate time based on UAV presence, providing controlled package reception. The automated feedback-based control improves operational ease while managing system complexity through intelligent coordination.
3Speed
If aerial delivery using UAVs is implemented, then delivery speed and accessibility are improved, but safety and control during delivery are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The pharmaceutical package includes an inflatable gas chamber that is inflated before delivery to provide shock absorption. This beforehand cushioning prepares the package to withstand impact forces during aerial delivery, maintaining reliability and safety while enabling faster UAV-based delivery compared to traditional land-based methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The package features a nested structure with an inner housing containing the pharmaceutical container and an outer housing with the gas chamber. This nested design protects the pharmaceutical container through multiple protective layers during aerial delivery, ensuring safety and control while maintaining the speed advantages of UAV delivery.
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 enables safe, efficient, and controlled delivery of pharmaceutical packages using UAVs, ensuring thermal protection and shock absorption, while the catcher system ensures reliable package reception and handling at the delivery site.
Implementation Method 1
A gas chamber is disposed between the first and second housings. The gas chamber is configured to hold gas in an inflated state of the gas chamber.
Data Source
AI summary
A pharmaceutical package for carrying a pharmaceutical container includes a first housing and a second housing in the first housing. The second housing defines a compartment sized and shaped to receive and carry the pharmaceutical container. A gas chamber is disposed between the first and second housings. The gas chamber is configured to hold a gas in an inflated state of the gas chamber. A passage extends from the first housing to the second housing and defines a passageway extending there-between to allow the pharmaceutical container to be positioned in the compartment of the second housing by moving the pharmaceutical container through the passageway. One or more supports are connected to and extending between the first housing and the second housing. The one or more supports secure and hold the second housing in the first housing.