Pyramidal Drone Docking System for Stable Landing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drone landing systems require large areas for take-off and landing, and additional fixing or aligning devices are needed to prevent detachment due to external movements, especially on vehicles or vessels, which increases complexity and space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A drone docking/landing system featuring a landing portion with a horned or pyramidal shape at the drone's lower portion, which aligns and mounts onto a corresponding docking portion with adjustable movement capabilities, including a connection portion for upward and downward movement, and a landing guidance sensor to ensure stable take-off and landing without additional lashing or aligning devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional landing pad is used for drone take-off and landing, then the drone can land stably, but a large area is required including landing pad area, landing access area, and landing approaching minimum space
Solution Approach 1:
The docking portion is inserted into the landing portion of the drone, creating a nested structure where the docking portion fits inside the drone's landing cavity. This nesting approach allows the drone to be securely docked without requiring a large external landing pad area, as the docking structure is integrated within the drone's own geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional landing pad surface to a three-dimensional docking structure with vertical insertion. The docking portion extends upward from the landing surface and inserts into the drone's landing portion, utilizing the vertical dimension to achieve secure docking without expanding the horizontal footprint.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a landing pad is formed on a vehicle or vessel with external movements, then the drone can operate on mobile platforms, but additional lashing or aligning devices are needed to prevent detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The docking portion combines multiple functions into a single integrated structure: it provides the landing surface, incorporates alignment features through its horned or pyramidal shape, and includes detachment prevention through the insertion mechanism into the drone's landing portion. This merging eliminates the need for separate lashing or aligning devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The horned or pyramidal shape of the docking portion and the corresponding landing portion create a self-aligning and self-locking mechanism. The geometric shapes guide the docking portion into proper alignment and prevent detachment through the insertion fit, without requiring additional active fixing or alignment systems.
3Reliability
If additional lashing or aligning devices are added to prevent drone detachment, then the drone remains secure during external movements, but the system complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The horned or pyramidal shape of the docking portion and the corresponding landing portion create a self-aligning and self-locking mechanism. The geometric shapes guide the docking portion into proper alignment and prevent detachment through the insertion fit, without requiring additional active fixing or alignment systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A drone docking/landing system includes: a docking portion having a shape of any one of a polygonal pyramid, a truncated polygonal pyramid, a cone, and a truncated cone and being capable of docking a drone; and a landing portion mounted at a lower portion of the drone, having a lower portion that is open, into which the docking portion is inserted, and having an empty inner space, wherein the landing portion has a shape of any one of a polygonal pyramid, a truncated polygonal pyramid, a cone, and a truncated cone, wherein the shape corresponds to the shape of the docking portion so that the docking portion is inserted into the landing portion.