Rail-Guided UAV Package Delivery With Wire-Lift Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) lack effective mechanisms for safe and efficient navigation along rails and package delivery systems, particularly in urban environments, and do not adequately address anomalies during flight that could lead to crashes.
Innovation Solution
An unmanned aerial vehicle system comprising a parent drone and a child drone connected via a coupling line, with a control method that includes a control circuit to manage the rotation rate of motors and the inclination of rotary wings to navigate along rails, and a thruster device for precise package delivery, utilizing existing infrastructure like utility poles and streetlights for support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the UAV uses a connector to slide along rails for navigation, then navigation precision and route stability are improved, but device complexity increases due to the rail infrastructure and connector mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces rails as an intermediary infrastructure between the UAV and the environment. The connector mechanism slides along these pre-installed rails to provide stable navigation. This mediator approach transfers the navigation complexity from the UAV itself to the external rail system, allowing the UAV to achieve precise navigation without carrying complex navigation equipment.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the UAV reduces motor rotation rate below floating threshold when connected to rails, then energy consumption is reduced, but lifting capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the lifting function from the motor system when the UAV is connected to the rails. The connector and rail system take over the support function, allowing motors to operate at reduced rotation rates. This extraction of the lifting function enables energy reduction without compromising the UAV's ability to maintain position, as the rail system provides the necessary support force.
3Speed
If the UAV increases the angle of rotary wings relative to support direction, then propulsion efficiency in rail direction is improved, but vertical lift performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of the rotary wing angle (via the movable block) based on the UAV's operational state. When connected to rails, the system increases the angle to optimize horizontal propulsion along the rail. When disconnected or during vertical maneuvers, the angle is reduced to maximize vertical lift. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the UAV to optimize performance for different operational requirements without permanent compromise.
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
Enhances the safety and efficiency of UAV navigation along rails, reduces the risk of crashes by detecting anomalies, and ensures reliable package delivery to designated locations.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of first motors that rotate the plurality of rotary wings, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
A delivery device that travels along rails and delivers a package is provided. The rails include at least first and second rails. The delivery device includes: a main body; a connector that is configured to be connected to the rails, with the main body hanging from the connector, and with the rails being spaced apart from a ground surface; at least one actuator that drives the connector; a lift motor that is capable of taking up a wire for unloading the package; and a control circuit. When the delivery device is slidably hung from the first rail, the control circuit: switches from the first rail to the second rail by controlling the actuator; and lets out the wire and lowers the package by controlling the lift motor.