Robot End Effector for Autonomous Aerial Vehicle Handling
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for automated vertical take-off, vertical landing, and handling of aerial vehicles lack a robust and efficient mechanism for autonomous operation without human intervention, particularly in terms of secure and precise capture and release phases.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a first and second connection module with capture and release sections and guide sections, which are lockable in a holding position, allowing for autonomous vertical take-off, landing, and handling of aerial vehicles, featuring a funnel-shaped inner cone section and a bolt section for secure engagement, along with a locking and releasing device for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a robust capture and release mechanism is implemented for autonomous operation, then reliability of automated vertical take-off and landing is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional connection modules and locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate first and second connection modules, each with distinct capture/release and guide sections. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each module's function while maintaining overall system reliability through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide sections perform preliminary alignment actions before the capture and release phases occur. The guide sections pre-position and orient the connection modules, ensuring that the subsequent capture/release operations can proceed reliably without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms during the critical take-off and landing moments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If precise alignment and secure engagement mechanisms are added for handling aerial vehicles in all spatial orientations, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection modules are designed with universal functionality to handle aerial vehicles in all spatial orientations. The guide sections and capture/release sections work together to accommodate various approaches, while the locking mechanism in the holding position provides a universal secure engagement state regardless of the orientation from which the vehicle approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide sections feature funnel-shaped inner cone sections with curved surfaces that can guide and orient the aerial vehicle from multiple directions. This conical geometry naturally accommodates approach from different spatial orientations while maintaining precise alignment, reducing the need for additional complex mechanical guidance components.
3Manufacturing precision
If lockable connection modules with guide sections are implemented for precise alignment, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide sections perform preliminary alignment of the first and second connection modules before the locking phase. This pre-alignment ensures that when the modules engage in the holding position, they are already precisely oriented, reducing the tolerance requirements for the locking mechanism itself and simplifying the overall manufacturing precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide sections act as intermediary elements between the approach phase and the locked holding position. These guide sections with funnel-shaped surfaces mediate the transition by gradually guiding the connection modules into proper alignment, thereby reducing the complexity of the direct locking mechanism while ensuring precise final positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for the automated vertical take-off, vertical landing, and/or handling of an aerial vehicle with the aid of a robot, the device including a first connection module and a second connection module, each including a capture and/or release section that is active in a capture and/or release phase and a guide section that is active in a guide phase, and the first connection module and the second connection module being lockable in a holding position. An aerial vehicle capable of automatedly vertically taking off, vertically landing, or being handled with the aid of a robot, the aerial vehicle including a first connection module or a second connection module of such a device. An end effector for a robot for the automated vertical take-off, vertical landing, and/or handling of an aerial vehicle, the end effector including a second connection module or a first connection module of such a device.