Rotolatch Female Latch for Actuator-Free Drone Package Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drone delivery systems face limitations in fully automated package loading and unloading, requiring human intervention, which affects delivery efficiency and range, and existing fasteners are not suitable for all applications due to magnetism or vacuum grasp issues.
Innovation Solution
An advanced rotating tension latch system is developed for drones, allowing for automated package engagement and disengagement without actuators, which is lightweight and improves package stability, reducing precision requirements and increasing flight performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If actuator-based fastening systems are used for automated drone package delivery, then automation capability is improved, but device weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the actuator component from the fastening system, extracting the heavy mechanical actuation mechanism while retaining the essential latching function. The rotolatch uses passive spring-loaded engagement and manual rotation for operation, eliminating motors, sensors, and control electronics that would add weight and complexity to the drone system.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotolatch system employs self-actuating spring mechanisms that automatically engage and disengage the latch without requiring external power sources or control systems. The spring-loaded design provides automatic reset and engagement capabilities, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for drone-borne actuators or power consumption for fastening operations.
2Extent of automation
If actuator-based fastening systems are used for automated drone package delivery, then automation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the actuator component from the fastening system, extracting the heavy mechanical actuation mechanism while retaining the essential latching function. The rotolatch uses passive spring-loaded engagement and manual rotation for operation, eliminating motors, sensors, and control electronics that would add weight and complexity to the drone system.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotolatch system employs self-actuating spring mechanisms that automatically engage and disengage the latch without requiring external power sources or control systems. The spring-loaded design provides automatic reset and engagement capabilities, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for drone-borne actuators or power consumption for fastening operations.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional fasteners are used for package attachment, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability to different applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rotolatch design incorporates a universal engagement mechanism that can attach to various package types and drone configurations. The spring-loaded latch with rotating engagement features provides adaptable fastening capability across different application scenarios, while maintaining simple manufacturing processes suitable for mass production.
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 fully automated package loading and unloading across various locations, enhancing delivery efficiency and range by improving flight stability and reducing the need for complex actuator-based systems.
Implementation Method 1
a spring operable to bias the cam in the engaged position and drive the hook to rotate
Implementation Method 2
The latch does not require rotational accuracy and can be used with gravity as the axial force
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a female latch member and a pick-and-place system. The female latch member, in at least one aspect, includes a top enclosed aperture having a central axis and an inside surface. The female latch member, according to this aspect, further includes one or more prong receiving holes located along a top thereof of the top enclosed aperture, the one or more prong receiving holes configured to receive one or more prongs of a receiver therein to prevent two pins of a related hook member from unintentionally rotating through first and second channels and allowing the female latch member and the related hook member from decoupling from one another.