Payload UAV Emergency Release with Parachute and Airbag Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a demand for an unmanned aerial vehicle capable of flying with a ground work machine connected to its body.

Innovation Solution

The unmanned aerial vehicle is equipped with a control device that controls flight, includes at least one parachute connected to the body or the ground work machine, and at least one airbag provided on the body or the ground work machine, allowing the connection to be released in case of abnormalities during flight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a ground work machine is connected to the body of the unmanned aerial vehicle, then payload capability is improved, but safety and reliability deteriorate due to increased risk during flight abnormalities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepayload capabilityVSAvoidsafety during flight abnormalities
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by equipping the unmanned aerial vehicle with parachutes and airbags before flight operations. These safety devices are pre-installed and can be deployed when abnormalities occur, cushioning the impact of potential crashes and protecting both the aircraft and ground work machine from damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the connection system into separable components. The ground work machine can be detached from the aircraft body through a release mechanism controlled by the control device, allowing the aircraft to separate from the payload during emergencies while maintaining the ability to operate together during normal conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If safety devices (parachute and airbag) are added to the unmanned aerial vehicle, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety during flightVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device serves multiple functions: it controls normal flight operations and simultaneously manages emergency safety functions including detecting abnormalities, triggering parachute deployment, activating airbags, and controlling the release mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated control systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the safety control functions with the existing flight control device. Rather than creating separate independent control systems for parachute deployment, airbag activation, and payload release, these functions are integrated into the unified control device, simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the connection between ground work machine and body can be released during flight, then safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional control requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety during flightVSAvoidflight control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies self-service through automatic abnormality detection and emergency response. The control device automatically detects flight abnormalities through sensor data, determines when release is necessary, and executes the separation sequence without requiring manual pilot intervention, thereby maintaining ease of operation while ensuring safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control device continuously receives feedback from sensors monitoring flight parameters, rotor status, and system health. This real-time feedback enables the control device to automatically detect abnormalities and trigger appropriate safety responses, including potential payload release, based on current flight conditions rather than requiring pilot judgment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 the unmanned aerial vehicle to safely fly with a ground work machine connected, enhancing payload and flight duration while preparing for potential abnormalities.

Implementation Method 1

at least one parachute connected to the body or the ground work machine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir resistance: Drag

Implementation Method 2

at least one airbag provided on the body or the ground work machine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP4620819A1Unmanned aircraft
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 KUBOTA CORP
  • EP4620819A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4620819A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4620819A1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

An unmanned aerial vehicle includes a plurality of rotors, the unmanned aerial vehicle being capable of flying with a ground work machine connected to a body. The unmanned aerial vehicle includes: a control device that controls flight of the unmanned aerial vehicle; at least one parachute connected to the body or the ground work machine; and at least one airbag provided on the body or the ground work machine.