Vertically Tethered Multicopters for Efficient Payload Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current package delivery methods, such as trucks, are not energy efficient and require significant resources, necessitating the development of faster, cheaper, and more energy-efficient delivery techniques.
Innovation Solution
A vertically-tethered multicopter system comprising multiple battery-powered multicopters connected by a flexible tether, allowing for efficient payload transport by distributing weight and reducing downwash impact, with features like elastic connectors and power line charging to enhance operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a single aircraft is used for payload delivery, then the device complexity is low, but the power efficiency is poor and space requirements are high
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system is divided into multiple independent multicopter units connected by tethers. Each multicopter carries a portion of the payload, distributing the energy burden and improving overall power efficiency compared to a single large aircraft.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple multicopters are combined into a coordinated system that functions as a unified delivery platform. The tethered connection allows them to operate together while maintaining individual autonomy, achieving better power efficiency through collective action.
2Area of stationary object
If a single aircraft is used for payload delivery, then the device complexity is low, but the space requirements are high
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from horizontal space occupation by a single large aircraft to vertical space utilization through stacked multicopters connected by tethers. This vertical arrangement reduces the ground footprint and overall space requirements.
3Use of energy by moving object
If traditional delivery trucks are used, then the device complexity is low, but energy efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical delivery systems (trucks) with an aerial multicopter-based system. This substitution enables more energy-efficient delivery by avoiding road infrastructure constraints and optimizing flight paths.
4Productivity
If multiple multicopters are used in a vertically-tethered system, then power efficiency is improved and space requirements are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each multicopter in the tethered system is designed to perform multiple functions: carrying payload, providing propulsion, and communicating with other units. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized components and simplifies the overall system architecture.
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
The system achieves higher power efficiency and reduced space requirements compared to single aircraft, minimizing ground impact and enabling efficient payload transport with reduced downtime through tethered multicopter coordination and power management.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible connector may include an elastic portion that shortens when there is no pull or tension on the flexible connector
Implementation Method 2
The flexible connector may include a power line that electrically connects the multicopters to each other, such that charge may be exchanged between the multicopters
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a higher unmanned multicopter, a lower unmanned multicopter, and a flexible connector. The flexible connector connects the higher unmanned multicopter and the lower unmanned multicopter. The VTM system is configured to carry a payload, including by having the higher unmanned multicopter fly above the lower unmanned multicopter with the flexible connector taut such that both the higher unmanned multicopter and the lower unmanned multicopter contribute to carrying the payload.