Unmanned Aircraft Payload Attachment Device with Biased Latch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for managing payloads on unmanned aircraft lack an automated and flexible solution for securely transporting and releasing payloads of varying sizes, shapes, and weights.

Innovation Solution

A method and system utilizing a payload attachment device with a receiver and a biased latch that can be manually or automatically released, allowing for secure attachment and release of payloads, along with electrical communication for telemetry and power transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a payload is releasably attached to the aircraft for transport, then the payload can be delivered to a destination, but the payload may be accidentally lost or stolen during transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepayload securityVSAvoidpayload attachment/detachment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism is biased to automatically engage with the payload handle when the payload is placed on the aircraft, providing self-securing without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by using the payload's own weight and the biased latch to create secure attachment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical attachment operations with an automated biased latch system that uses spring force and cam mechanisms to automatically secure and release payloads, reducing reliance on human operators while maintaining security

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If manual attachment methods are used, then simple attachment is achieved, but automated payload management is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepayload management automationVSAvoidattachment device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment device is segmented into modular components including the receiver, biased latch, cam mechanism, and release button, allowing independent function of each component while working together for automated payload management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates dynamic elements including a biased latch that can transition between engaged and disengaged states, and a cam mechanism that provides mechanical advantage during engagement, enabling automated operation while managing complexity through controlled motion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a biased latch is used to secure the payload, then secure attachment is achieved, but the latch must be overcome to release the payload

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepayload retentionVSAvoidrelease force required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The cam mechanism uses curved surfaces to provide mechanical advantage during engagement and disengagement, allowing the release button to overcome the latch bias with reduced force through rotational motion and leverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The release button acts as an intermediary that translates user input into cam rotation, which in turn moves the latch against its bias. This intermediate mechanism reduces the direct force required by providing mechanical advantage through the cam's curved geometry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables secure, automated, and flexible payload transport and release, accommodating various payload sizes and shapes, while ensuring reliable communication and power transfer during flight.

Implementation Method 1

a biased latch passing into an opening in the payload handle to support the payload by the payload attachment device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a cam in the receiver movable between an engaged position with the payload handle opening and a disengaged position away from the payload handle opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Implementation Method 3

communicating telemetry data and electrical power from the payload through a first electrical connection between the payload handle and the payload attachment device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS12319410B2Unmanned aircraft payload system and method

Publication Date: 2025.06.03 AVIDRONE AEROSPACE INC

AI summary

This disclosure is directed to a payload attachment and payload management and control device for an unmanned aircraft for supporting a payload having a payload handle, the payload attachment device. The payload attachment device including a receiver for receiving the payload handle and a releasable latch in the receiver having an engaged position and disengaged position, the latched biased to the engaged position restraining a payload handle. The payload attachment device includes a manual release connected to the latch for overcoming the bias and moving the cam to the disengaged position and an automated release connected to the latch for overcoming the bias and moving the cam to the disengaged position, the automated release connected to a controller of the unmanned aircraft. The payload attachment device may also receive payload telemetry data and electrical power from the payload using a disconnectable electrical communication connection.