Modular UAV Launch Facility for Fast Emergency Dispatch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing UAV delivery services face inefficiencies, including high costs, labor-intensive manual provisioning, and delayed delivery times, especially for medical supplies, due to the need for extensive facility modifications and manual handling of packages.

Innovation Solution

A modular UAV facility with moveable platforms and a cover system allows for quick launch and retrieval of UAVs, separating standard and emergency UAVs to reduce congestion and streamline the launch process, enabling faster emergency responses and reducing the need for extensive facility modifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual provisioning process is used to transport packages outdoors to provision UAVs, then labor intensity increases and delivery time increases, but facility modification cost is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery timeVSAvoidlabor intensity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic provisioning where the UAV facility itself handles package loading onto UAVs through automated mechanisms, eliminating the need for manual human intervention in the provisioning process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical handling of packages is replaced with automated mechanical systems including conveyors, robotic arms, and automated loading mechanisms that transfer packages from storage to UAVs without human labor

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If extensive facility modifications are made to accommodate UAVs, then facility adaptability improves, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefacility adaptabilityVSAvoidfacility modification cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The facility is designed as a modular system with separate functional modules (storage modules, provisioning modules, launch modules) that can be independently configured and assembled, allowing adaptability without extensive custom modifications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The facility modules are designed to be multi-functional and reusable across different UAV types and delivery scenarios, reducing the need for specialized modifications for each application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If standard UAVs and emergency UAVs share the same facility, then facility complexity is reduced, but delivery time increases due to congestion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse timeVSAvoidfacility complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The facility is divided into separate functional areas including a first module for standard UAVs and a second module for emergency UAVs, allowing simultaneous independent operations without congestion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A control system acts as an intermediary that coordinates and manages the separate modules, optimizing resource allocation and ensuring efficient operations across the facility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12049328B2Emergency UAV facility

Publication Date: 2024.07.30 FLIRTEY HLDG INC

AI summary

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) facilities, suitable for use by both emergency and non-emergency UAVs, comprise a housing having first and second moveable platforms. The second moveable platform is arranged adjacent the first moveable platform. A cover is arranged above the second moveable platform. A drive system operates the first and second moveable platforms and the cover.