Stackable UAV Housing Containers With Autonomous Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The maintenance and storage of UAV systems, particularly in agricultural settings, require significant manual labor and are prone to theft and vandalism, with existing solutions being cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A stackable housing container system with autonomous maintenance capabilities, featuring hinged covers, extendable landing pads, and container controllers that facilitate communication and automation of maintenance tasks, including battery swapping and fluid refilling, to reduce manual labor and enhance security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual maintenance and storage methods are used for UAV systems, then operational flexibility is maintained, but significant manual labor is required and security against theft and vandalism is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The container system performs maintenance tasks autonomously without human intervention. The system includes autonomous maintenance capabilities where the container itself executes maintenance operations on stored UAVs, eliminating the need for manual labor while maintaining security through automated processes
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides maintenance functions into separate autonomous modules within the container, allowing different maintenance tasks to be performed independently by dedicated subsystems, reducing overall manual intervention while enhancing security through distributed autonomous operation
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional storage containers are used for UAVs, then simple storage is achieved, but protection against theft and vandalism is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges storage, maintenance, and security functions into a single integrated container system. The container combines secure enclosure with autonomous maintenance capabilities and security monitoring, providing comprehensive protection while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The container is designed as a multi-functional unit that simultaneously provides secure storage, autonomous maintenance, and security monitoring. This universal design protects against theft and vandalism while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized multi-purpose components
3Ease of operation
If autonomous maintenance capabilities are added to the container system, then manual labor is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous maintenance system is nested within the container structure, with maintenance modules integrated into the container's internal architecture. This nesting approach reduces overall system complexity by embedding autonomous functions within the existing container framework rather than adding separate external systems
4Area of stationary object
If stackable container design is implemented, then storage space utilization is improved, but structural stability requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The container design incorporates asymmetric structural features at the interface between stacked containers, with reinforcing elements positioned strategically to handle stacking loads. This asymmetric reinforcement provides the necessary structural stability for vertical stacking while maintaining efficient storage space utilization
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture are disclosed to house a vehicle, including a first container leg disposed on a first corner of a first container, a second container leg disposed on a second corner of the first container, a third container leg disposed on a third corner of the first container, a fourth container leg disposed on a fourth corner of the first container, at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth container legs each having an upper portion with a ramped receiving slot and a lower portion with a first ramped foot, and wherein the ramped receiving slot is to receive a protrusion associated with a second ramped foot of a second container different from the first container.