Single-Drone Pickup Holder With Movable Center-of-Gravity Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for using a single drone to transport a load often result in tilting due to improper attachment, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage, especially when eyebolts are attached near the cargo's outer edge.
Innovation Solution
A pickup system and method that includes a holder with a movable connector, a measuring instrument to determine the load's center of gravity, and a controller to position the connector directly above the center of gravity for secure attachment to the drone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If eyebolts are attached to the cargo in the vicinity of an outer edge of the top plate, then the cargo can be picked up by a single drone with high-capacity lift, but the cargo necessarily tilts during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is made movable relative to the holder, allowing it to be dynamically positioned above the center of gravity after the load is placed. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to adapt to different load distributions and prevent tilting, while still using a single high-capacity drone for lifting.
Solution Approach 2:
The center of gravity is measured before finalizing the connector position. By performing this measurement in advance and positioning the connector accordingly, the system prevents tilting from occurring during transportation, rather than attempting to correct it after the problem arises.
2Reliability
If the flying object and the load are connected in a fixed manner, then the connection is stable, but the flying object tilts due to the weight of the load when the attachment position is inappropriate
Solution Approach 1:
The connector transitions from a fixed attachment to a movable one, allowing the attachment point to be adjusted dynamically. This enables the system to maintain connection reliability while adapting to the load's center of gravity position, preventing the flying object from tilting.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the flying object and the load are connected in an unfixed manner (e.g., via a ball joint), then the connection allows movement, but the load tilts and becomes more likely to be damaged during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using an unfixed connection like a ball joint that allows uncontrolled movement, the invention uses a movable connector that can be precisely positioned and fixed above the center of gravity. This provides the benefits of adaptability while maintaining load stability through controlled positioning.
4Stability of the object's composition
If multiple drones are used to transport the cargo, then the load can be balanced, but the introduction cost and operation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the lifting function (performed by a single high-capacity drone) from the balancing function (performed by the movable connector positioned above the center of gravity). This segmentation allows one drone to handle both tasks effectively, avoiding the need for multiple drones while maintaining load balance.
Solution Approach 2:
The single drone is equipped with a holder and movable connector system that enables it to perform both lifting and balancing functions. This multi-functionality allows one drone to replace what would traditionally require multiple drones, reducing system complexity and cost.
Data Source
AI summary
An aspect of the present invention provides a pickup system which makes, even in a case of transporting a load by using a single unmanned flying object, the unmanned flying object and the load less likely to tilt. A pickup system (1) includes: a holder (11) for holding a load (L); a measuring instrument (14) for measuring the position of the center of gravity of the holder (11) holding the load (L); and a controller (15) for moving, to a position immediately above the position of the center of gravity of the holder (11) holding the load (L), a connector (12) which is attached to the holder (11) in a movable manner and which is for connecting the holder (11) to a drone (D).