Payload Holding Faceplate with Guided Retriever Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing uncrewed vehicles lack an efficient system for retrieving payloads from a delivery location, particularly in environments where precise and reliable retrieval is required.
Innovation Solution
A payload retrieval system comprising a support structure, retriever guide, and faceplate with hooks, designed to securely hold and direct a payload retriever to retrieve payloads from a payload holder, utilizing a channel and modular components for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a payload retrieval system is implemented, then payload retrieval reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retrieval system is divided into separate functional modules: a faceplate assembly with payload holder, a retriever guide channel, and a retriever component. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving overall system reliability while enabling modular manufacturing and assembly that manages complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retriever guide channel acts as an intermediary component that directs the retriever from the approach path to the precise payload engagement position. This intermediary structure ensures reliable payload capture without requiring complex positioning mechanisms, as the channel geometry itself provides the guiding function.
2Measurement precision
If precise payload retrieval is enabled, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retriever guide channel employs curved geometry to smoothly direct the retriever along a controlled path to the payload holder. This curved design provides precise positioning through geometric constraints rather than complex mechanical positioning systems, achieving measurement precision while managing device complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If modular components are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct manufacturable components including the faceplate, guide channel, and retriever elements. Each component can be manufactured independently using appropriate processes, improving ease of manufacture. The segmented design naturally increases assembly structure complexity, but this is offset by the benefits of modular manufacturing and quality control.
Data Source
AI summary
A payload retrieval system includes a support structure and a retriever guide coupled to the support structure. The retriever guide forms a channel having an inlet end and an exit end. The retriever guide is adapted to receive a payload retriever at the inlet end of the channel and direct the payload retriever to the exit end of the channel. The payload retrieval system also includes a faceplate coupled to the retriever guide. The faceplate includes a body extending around a passage aligned with the exit end of the channel, and a payload holder including first and second hooks adapted to hold a payload for receipt by a payload retriever that passes through the retriever guide.