Removable Cargo Pod Wing Assembly for Forklift Pallet Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current VTOL UAVs are not configured to efficiently load and unload cargo stored on pallets, limiting their use in the cargo market and requiring non-standard form factors, which adds time and labor, especially in remote areas where infrastructure is limited.
Innovation Solution
A VTOL UAV with a modular design featuring a cargo carrying pod that can be releasably coupled to a wing assembly, allowing for easy loading and unloading of pallets through a teardrop-shaped pod with a horizontal internal storage volume and rear doors that open for horizontal operation, and the ability to separate the pod for ground-based cargo delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If VTOL UAVs require long recharge times on the ground, then full-electric designs can operate, but they cannot continue operation efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle employs a hybrid power system combining electric motors with a combustion engine generator. During flight, electric motors provide immediate thrust. When the UAV lands, the combustion engine automatically starts to generate electricity, recharging the batteries during the brief ground time. This ensures continuous operation without lengthy recharge delays, as the engine-generator set can rapidly replenish battery power during landing intervals.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hybrid internal combustion-electric VTOLs are used in remote areas, then they can operate with limited fuel infrastructure, but they require low available fuel which limits operation
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid system allows the vehicle to be self-sufficient in remote areas by generating its own fuel through the combustion engine when needed. The engine can run on stored fuel to generate electricity for recharging batteries, eliminating dependence on external fueling infrastructure. The vehicle carries its own fuel supply and can refuel from portable containers or even process available local resources, making it independently operable in isolated locations like oil platforms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If equipment requires non-standard form factors in remote areas, then it can operate in those locations, but it adds time and labor to the loading and unloading process
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo pod is designed as a separable module that can be quickly detached from the aircraft body on the ground. This segmentation allows the pod to be independently handled by ground equipment such as forklifts or pallet jacks, enabling rapid loading and unloading operations. The pod's independent structure with its own landing gear allows it to be moved, loaded, and unloaded separately from the aircraft, significantly reducing the time and labor required compared to integrated cargo systems.
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 quicker ground operation and integration with existing logistics infrastructure, allowing for efficient transportation of cargo and freight on pallets, including 24/7 operation, and potential passenger transport by integrating with standard transportation systems.
Implementation Method 1
The rotors can be vertically oriented and configured to provide vertical thrust to allow the UAV to takeoff and land vertically
Implementation Method 2
some of the rotors can also rotate to provide horizontal thrust so that the UAV can fly horizontally with lift provided by the wing
Implementation Method 3
The pod can have an aerodynamic outer shape that can have a rounded front portion and a tapered rear portion. The pod shape can be teardrop shaped to provide lower aero dynamic drag as the UAV travels horizontally
Data Source
AI summary
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has a wing assembly that is coupled to a cargo carrying pod. The pod has a pallet storage volume and an aerodynamic outer surface. The wing assembly has wings that are coupled to rotor booms that include motors and rotors. A tail assembly is coupled to tail booms that extend back from the wings. Rudders are coupled to the rear portions of the tail booms and an elevator is coupled to top portions of the rudders. The elevator is at least 84 inches high and the rudders are at least 48 apart so that a forklift can drive under the elevator and between the rudders to a rear door of the pod to place cargo on a pallet into the storage area of the pod.