Roof-Integrated Drone Landing Network for Navigation and Relay
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Solution Overview
Problem
The rapid deployment and delivery of parcels using unmanned vehicles face barriers such as charging, guidance, storage, distance from origination, relay, repair, notification, and tracking, which hinder their success.
Innovation Solution
Integration of unmanned vehicle infrastructure into roofing accessories, including antennas and computing modules, to create a communication network that enables navigation, delivery, and charging by transmitting electronic instructions and network messages, with landing and take-off capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If unmanned vehicles are deployed for parcel delivery, then delivery speed and efficiency are improved, but barriers such as charging, guidance, storage, distance from origination, relay, repair, notification, and tracking hinder success
Solution Approach 1:
The roofing accessory is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a structural roofing component and an integrated communication node with antenna and computing module. This multi-functionality allows the same structure to provide both building protection and unmanned vehicle guidance/communication capabilities, thereby improving reliability without sacrificing delivery efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The roofing accessory acts as an intermediary between unmanned vehicles and the ground infrastructure. By embedding communication modules in widely distributed roofing structures, the system creates relay points that mediate communication and guidance signals, overcoming limitations of direct vehicle-to-ground communication and enhancing operational reliability
2Ease of operation
If communication network infrastructure is installed for unmanned vehicle navigation, then navigation and delivery capabilities are improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the antenna and computing module directly into the roofing accessory structure, merging previously separate communication infrastructure components with existing building elements. This integration reduces the number of discrete components that need to be installed and maintained, thereby reducing perceived complexity while improving navigation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The roofing accessory with integrated computing module autonomously handles communication and guidance functions without requiring external control infrastructure. Each roofing unit independently provides navigation signals and communication relay, eliminating the need for complex centralized control systems and reducing overall infrastructure complexity
3Ease of manufacture
If roofing accessories are used as communication nodes, then cost-effectiveness and widespread deployment are improved, but integration into existing roofing structures adds installation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The communication infrastructure is divided into discrete, modular roofing accessory units that can be independently manufactured and installed. Each unit contains its own antenna and computing module, allowing for standardized mass production at low cost while enabling flexible integration into various roofing configurations without requiring complex custom installation for each location
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides systems and methods enabling unmanned vehicle navigation and delivery including an integrated roofing accessory integrated into a roof, the integrated roofing accessory including at least one antenna and a computing module in communication with the at least one antenna, where the computing module, when software is executed, is configured to transmit, via the at least one antenna: electronic operating instructions to at least one unmanned vehicle, and network messages related to the at least one unmanned vehicle to at least one additional integrated roofing accessory. A landing member is on the roof and the electronic operating instructions comprise: at least one landing instruction configured to cause the at least one unmanned vehicle to land on the landing member, and at least one take-off instruction configured to cause the at least one unmanned vehicle to take off from the landing member.