Modular Aerial Payload Carrier for Scalable Delivery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing payload delivery systems are overly complex, expensive, and inefficient, with limited scalability and versatility, particularly when transporting payloads not designed for self-propelled aerial transportation.
Innovation Solution
An aerial device comprising a body member and a retention member with a collar and rails, equipped with thrusters, fins, and electronic components, allowing for modular attachment to aerial vehicles, enabling efficient and versatile delivery of various payloads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If payloads are integrated with self-propelled aerial delivery devices, then delivery capability is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the payload delivery function into two independent segments: the aerial vehicle that provides propulsion and the passive payload carrier that attaches to it. This segmentation allows the complex self-propelled delivery system to be replaced with a simpler passive carrier that attaches to an existing aerial vehicle, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The payload carrier is designed as a universal attachment system that can be used with multiple different aerial vehicles. The carrier includes standardized engagement features that interface with various aerial vehicle types, making the carrier multi-functional and adaptable to different delivery scenarios without requiring vehicle-specific integration.
2Reliability
If payloads are specifically designed and integrated with delivery devices, then delivery effectiveness is improved, but production time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the payload design from the delivery device design, allowing payloads to be manufactured independently using existing production processes. The payload is designed as a standalone unit with standardized attachment interfaces, enabling mass production without requiring integration with the aerial vehicle, thus reducing production time and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The payload carrier uses adjustable and configurable parameters such as adjustable retention members and configurable attachment mechanisms. This allows the same carrier design to accommodate different payload sizes, shapes, and weights without requiring custom manufacturing, thereby maintaining delivery effectiveness while reducing production complexity and time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If integrated self-propelled aerial delivery systems are used, then delivery capability is achieved, but scalability and supply efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the propulsion function (aerial vehicle) from the payload carrying function (passive carrier). This allows independent optimization and mass production of the carriers, which can be manufactured in large quantities using standard processes. The modular design enables rapid deployment and scaling of delivery operations without requiring proportional scaling of complex integrated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive payload carrier acts as an intermediary between the aerial vehicle and the payload. This intermediary component standardizes the interface between different aerial vehicles and various payload types, enabling efficient logistics and supply chain operations. The carrier can be quickly exchanged between different aerial vehicles, improving turnover rate and supply efficiency.
4Adaptability or versatility
If complex integrated aerial delivery systems are implemented, then delivery functionality is achieved, but economic efficiency and cost-effectiveness worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the payload carrier from the self-propelled delivery system, making it a separate, independent component. This extracted carrier can be manufactured using standard, cost-effective processes without requiring integration with expensive aerial vehicle systems. The carrier is designed to interface with existing aerial vehicles, eliminating the need to develop and manufacture proprietary integrated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The payload carrier is designed as a relatively simple, lightweight structure that can be manufactured at low cost. Rather than investing in expensive, complex integrated delivery systems, the approach uses affordable carriers that can be produced in large quantities. The carriers are designed for single or limited use cycles, optimizing cost-effectiveness for various delivery missions.
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 provides a cost-effective, scalable, and efficient means to transport and deliver diverse payloads, including those not originally designed for self-propelled systems, with controlled flight paths and deployment options.
Implementation Method 1
a thruster operable to selectively provide a thrust force
Implementation Method 2
one or more fins connected to and extending from the body member, wherein at least a portion of each one of the fins is operable to rotatably move
Data Source
AI summary
An aerial device is provided that comprises a body member and a retention member that may include an interior space and a rearward portion that may be operable to matingly engage with a forward portion of the body member to carry a payload within the interior space, which may be in cooperation with the forward portion of the body member. The retention member may include a collar that may have an inner perimeter that may define an opening in communication with the interior space. A forward portion of the payload may extend through the opening while the rearward portion of the retention member is matingly engaged with the forward portion of the body member. The inner perimeter of the collar may substantially abut a portion of an outer surface of the payload while the retention member is matingly engaged with the body member.