Perforated Capsule Hook for Stable High-Speed UAV Retraction

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing payload coupling apparatuses for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) experience instability and oscillations during high-speed retraction, leading to potential engagement with the UAV and increased energy consumption at lower speeds.

Innovation Solution

A payload coupling apparatus with perforations or holes on its major surfaces, including a hemispherically-shaped upper portion and side walls, allowing airflow to stabilize the apparatus during high-speed flight, and optionally incorporating a weighted disc for enhanced stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the UAV moves forward at high speed during payload coupling apparatus retraction, then productivity is improved, but the payload coupling apparatus becomes unstable and oscillates wildly

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The payload coupling apparatus incorporates a series of perforations or holes in its major surfaces, transforming it from a solid smooth-walled structure to a porous configuration. These perforations allow air to pass through the apparatus during high-speed flight, reducing aerodynamic instability and oscillations, thereby enabling stable retraction at full cruise speeds of 25-35 m/s or more

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If the UAV reduces forward speed during payload coupling apparatus retraction, then stability is improved, but energy consumption increases due to extended retraction time

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The porous configuration with perforations allows the apparatus to maintain stability at high speeds, eliminating the need to reduce forward speed during retraction. This enables the UAV to complete retraction quickly at full cruise speed, significantly reducing the time and energy required compared to slower retraction methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

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

The apparatus remains stable during retraction at speeds of 25-35 m/s, reducing oscillations and minimizing the risk of engagement with the UAV while optimizing energy efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The series of holes serve to stabilize the payload coupling apparatus so that it remains in a relatively stable state during high speed UAV flight of 25-35 m/s or more

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAirflow: Convection

Implementation Method 2

allowing airflow to stabilize the apparatus during high-speed flight

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic stabilization: Aeroelastic Flutter

Data Source

PatentEP4169836B1Perforated capsule hook for stable high speed retract

Publication Date: 2025.07.30

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

A payload coupling apparatus is provided that includes a housing having an upper portion, a lower portion, and a side wall positioned between the upper and lower portions, an attachment point on the housing adapted for attachment to a first end of a tether, a slot in the housing that extends downwardly towards a center of the housing thereby forming a hook or lip on the lower portion of the housing beneath the slot, a plurality of holes in the upper portion of the housing; and a plurality of holes in the lower portion of the housing. A method of retracting a payload coupling apparatus during UAV flight is also provided.