Rotational Rail Bracket Locking Mechanism for UAV Canister Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UAV delivery systems face challenges in efficiently securing and releasing delivery canisters without excessive mechanical wear and weight, particularly when using small rotary solenoids for coupling and decoupling mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A canister design with varying channel widths and a rail bracket system that utilizes rotational shafts with offset fingers to securely attach to UAVs, allowing for releasable coupling and decoupling without transferring force to the rotational device, enabling the use of smaller, lighter solenoids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional coupling mechanisms are used to secure canisters to UAVs, then reliable attachment is achieved, but mechanical wear increases and system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is divided into separate functional components: the rail bracket with finger elements that engage with channel volumes, and the solenoid actuator that provides rotational motion. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall weight while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rail bracket acts as an intermediary between the solenoid actuator and the canister. It transfers and distributes the force generated by the small solenoid across multiple finger elements, amplifying the effect and reducing mechanical wear on individual components while maintaining secure attachment.
2Weight of moving object
If small rotary solenoids are used for coupling and decoupling, then system weight is reduced, but mechanical wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rail bracket with its multiple finger elements serves as a force distribution intermediary. It takes the concentrated force from the small solenoid and distributes it across multiple contact points with the canister, reducing mechanical wear on the solenoid and improving overall durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism changes the operational parameters by using rotational motion of the shaft to move fingers between engaged and disengaged positions. This rotational approach allows a small solenoid to achieve large linear displacement through mechanical advantage, reducing wear while maintaining functionality.
3Force
If rotational shafts with offset fingers are used, then force distribution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The finger elements are positioned at offset angles around the rotational shaft, creating an asymmetric arrangement. This asymmetry allows each finger to engage with different portions of the channel volumes, improving force distribution while the rotational motion provides a simple actuation mechanism that offsets the increased structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A rail bracket includes a first bracket surface and a second bracket surface opposite and spaced apart from the first bracket surface. A rotational shaft extends between the bracket surfaces and includes a first shaft end and a second shaft end. The rotational shaft is configured to rotate at least partially about a rotational axis and includes at least a portion that extends a first radial distance outward from the rotational axis. A first finger and a second finger are positioned at the second shaft end, each extending from the rotational shaft beyond the first radial distance and away from the rotational axis over second and third radial distances, each greater than the first radial distance. The second finger extends approximately opposite that of the first finger. The rail bracket is configured to be inserted into a securing channel and rotated to secure the second shaft end within the channel.