Tethered Payload Deployment for Zero-Velocity Air Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current autonomous air vehicle (AAV) delivery systems face challenges in efficiently and cost-effectively deploying payloads without requiring landing strips, excessive energy consumption, hovering, or special equipment, especially for fixed-wing aircraft.
Innovation Solution
An AAV payload delivery mechanism that enables smooth, accurate, and fast deployment by executing a deployment maneuver where the payload is extended on a tether and swung to zero or near-zero velocity relative to the target, allowing for release without ceasing forward movement, using an onboard flight computer, optimizer, and scheduler to control the trajectory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the aircraft lands on the desired location to unload the payload, then the payload can be delivered to the target destination, but the delivery process requires time and a landing strip, reducing efficiency and increasing infrastructure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The payload is prepared for deployment in advance by attaching it to a tether mechanism before the aircraft reaches the target destination. The tether is extended and the payload is positioned during flight, allowing immediate release upon reaching the target without requiring landing procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of landing the aircraft to deliver the payload, the invention inverts the approach by delivering the payload while the aircraft remains in flight. The payload is released through a tether mechanism that allows controlled deployment without the aircraft ceasing its forward motion or requiring a landing strip.
2Measurement precision
If the aircraft hovers above the destination to lower the payload using a crane-like tether mechanism, then the payload can be delivered to the target destination, but hovering consumes a large amount of power, reducing operating range
Solution Approach 1:
The tether mechanism is prepared and the payload is positioned during the approach phase of flight. The aircraft maintains forward motion while the tether is extended and the payload is gradually lowered toward the target destination, eliminating the need for energy-intensive hovering.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static hovering position to a dynamic forward-flight delivery mechanism. The aircraft moves forward continuously while the payload is delivered through a controlled tether release mechanism, converting the delivery process from a stationary operation to a dynamic one that maintains flight efficiency.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the aircraft drops the payload with a cushion mechanism or parachute to dampen impact, then the payload can be delivered to the target destination, but special equipment must be added to the payload, increasing costs and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The tether acts as an intermediary mechanism between the aircraft and the payload during delivery. It provides controlled support and gradual lowering of the payload, enabling soft delivery without requiring cushion mechanisms or parachutes to be attached to the payload itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The aircraft's forward motion and the tether mechanism work together to provide the deceleration and soft landing function. The system uses the aircraft's kinetic energy and the tether's mechanical properties to achieve gentle payload delivery, eliminating the need for additional protective equipment on the payload.
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
This method drastically reduces deployment time, ensures smooth payload touchdown, and allows winged aircraft to perform deployments similar to rotary wing aircraft without transitioning to hover mode, enhancing efficiency and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The payload hangs from a tether and is extended prior to arrival to the target destination. The hanging payload begins swinging in a controlled and coordinated manner with the trajectory of the autonomous air vehicle such that the payload arrives at the delivery point at zero or near zero velocity relative to it
Implementation Method 2
a whirling mechanism that mimics the maple seed to utilize air drag to lower the freefall speed
Data Source
AI summary
A novel and useful system and method of air delivery of payloads incorporating a zero or near zero velocity deployment maneuver that enables aircraft to smoothly deploy payloads without dropping them and without requiring the aircraft to land. A multicopter fitted with the mechanism lowers the payload to smoothly touchdown in a matter of seconds without the need to hover above the destination. In operation, the payload hangs from a tether, pendulum, or robotic arm and is extended prior to arrival to the target destination. The hanging payload begins swinging in a controlled and coordinated manner with the trajectory of the autonomous air vehicle such that the payload arrives at the delivery point at zero or near zero velocity relative to it, while the vehicle maintains its forward movement. The payload is released from the tether at the exact moment the payload touches or is about to touch the ground.