Payload Retrieval Conveyor for Automated UAV Pickup Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing payload retrieval systems for UAVs require direct loading of payloads by an operator, which is inefficient and labor-intensive, especially when payloads are located inside facilities like restaurants or warehouses.
Innovation Solution
A payload retrieval system with a conveyance system that moves payloads to a retriever guide, allowing for automated retrieval without manual loading, and can handle multiple payloads simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual loading of payloads by operator is used, then direct control over payload placement is maintained, but operational efficiency decreases and labor intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the conveyance system automatically transports payloads to the retrieval apparatus without requiring manual loading by operators. The automated conveyance system moves payloads along a track to the exact position where they need to be retrieved by the UAV, eliminating manual intervention while maintaining precise payload placement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical loading operations with an automated conveyance system that uses mechanical track and transport mechanisms. This substitution eliminates the need for operators to physically handle and position payloads, thereby improving productivity while reducing labor intensity and manual operation requirements.
2Loss of time
If operator manually transports payloads to retrieval apparatus, then direct loading control is maintained, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance system performs preliminary action by automatically transporting payloads along the track to the retrieval apparatus position before the UAV arrives. This pre-positioning of payloads eliminates the time-consuming manual transport step and ensures payloads are ready for immediate retrieval, significantly reducing overall time loss and improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated conveyance system enables continuous operation where payloads are constantly being transported to the retrieval apparatus without interruption. This continuous useful action eliminates the stop-start nature of manual loading operations, maintaining steady productivity and reducing time losses associated with manual handling and positioning.
3Productivity
If single payload handling is used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance system is segmented into modular components including individual payload holders, track sections, and control units. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple payloads simultaneously through independent modular units while keeping each component relatively simple. The modular design increases throughput capability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyance system is designed with multi-functionality to handle various payload types and configurations through a universal track and transport mechanism. This universality allows the same system infrastructure to service multiple payloads simultaneously, increasing throughput without requiring separate specialized handling systems for each payload type, thereby managing complexity through versatile design.
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 holding frame having a payload holder configured to hold a payload for retrieval by the payload retriever when the holding frame is held in an operating position at the exit end of the channel. The system also includes a conveyance system configured to transport the holding frame from a waiting position to the operating position.