Tethered Payload Loading Mechanism for In-Flight UAV Pickup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned vehicles face delays and inefficiencies when delivering payloads due to the need for a designated person to secure the payload to the UAV, which can be exacerbated by late arrivals or delays at the retrieval site.
Innovation Solution
A payload retrieval apparatus with a tethered payload retriever that automatically secures the payload to the UAV without human intervention, using a channel and tether engagers to guide the tether and payload retriever for secure pickup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a designated person secures the payload to the UAV manually, then the payload can be securely attached, but delays occur due to waiting time and coordination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service through the automated interaction between the payload retrieval apparatus and the UAV's payload retriever. The payload is automatically picked up by the UAV without requiring a designated person to manually secure it, as the payload retriever engages with the payload holder and tether engagers to complete the attachment process autonomously
Solution Approach 2:
The payload is pre-positioned on the payload holder at the retrieval site before the UAV arrives. The retrieval apparatus is prepared in advance with the payload secured to the payload holder, so that when the UAV arrives, the automated retrieval process can immediately commence without waiting for manual preparation
2Reliability
If the UAV waits in hover mode for the designated person to arrive, then the payload can be retrieved, but energy is consumed and delivery is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The automated retrieval system eliminates the need for the UAV to wait in hover mode by enabling self-service payload pickup. The payload is automatically retrieved through the interaction between the payload retriever and the retrieval apparatus, allowing the UAV to complete the pickup process efficiently without prolonged hovering and associated energy consumption
3Reliability
If manual payload securing is required, then the payload can be attached, but the process complexity increases due to human coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex human coordination with self-service automation. The payload retrieval apparatus and UAV's payload retriever interact autonomously to complete the attachment process, eliminating the need for human coordination and reducing operational complexity while maintaining reliable payload attachment
Data Source
AI summary
A payload retrieval apparatus including a stand having an upper end and a lower end, a channel having a first end and a second end, the channel coupled to the stand, a first extension that extends in a first direction from the first end of the channel, wherein the first extension is configured to direct a tether extending from a UAV and a payload retriever attached to an end of the tether toward the first end of the channel, wherein the second end of the channel has a payload engaging member positioned near the second end of the channel that is adapted to secure a payload, and wherein the payload retrieval apparatus is configured to cause the UAV to pick up the payload with the payload retriever while maintaining flying.