Payload Loading Tool Guide for Uncrewed Vehicle Retrieval

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in accurately loading payloads onto payload retrieval apparatuses for uncrewed vehicles, leading to inefficiencies in payload retrieval and delivery.

Innovation Solution

A tool and machine system are developed, featuring a support body, a guide extending from the support body, and a hanger to securely hold and position payloads on the payload retrieval apparatus. The guide is designed to fit into a channel of the payload retrieval apparatus, ensuring accurate placement of the payload.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a simple loading mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and positioning accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading mechanism complexityVSAvoidpayload positioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The guide structure acts as an intermediary component between the loading mechanism and the payload retrieval apparatus. It provides a constrained path that automatically aligns and positions the payload during insertion, achieving precise positioning without requiring complex active control systems or multiple adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The loading tool is divided into distinct functional segments: the support body for holding the payload, the guide structure for positioning, and the insertion mechanism for delivery. This segmentation allows each component to be simple in design while collectively achieving precise payload placement through their coordinated geometry and arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If manual loading operations are used, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading operation simplicityVSAvoidpayload retrieval rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The payload is pre-positioned on the support body and aligned with the guide structure before the insertion operation begins. This preliminary preparation ensures that the actual loading action requires minimal adjustment or manipulation during execution, maintaining operational simplicity while enabling rapid, consistent payload delivery that improves throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250136275A1Tool for Loading a Payload on a Payload Retrieval Apparatus, Machine Including a Loading Tool, and Method of Use

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 WING AVIATION LLC

AI summary

A tool for loading a payload on a payload retrieval apparatus includes a support body and a guide extending outward from the support body. The guide has an elongated configuration and a cross-sectional area that is narrower than the support body. The guide is configured to be inserted into a channel of the payload retrieval apparatus and to position the support body at an end of the channel adjacent to a payload holding structure. The tool also includes a hanger configured to hold the payload. The hanger is movable with respect to the support body between a closed position and a release position.