Pivoting UAV Cargo Bay for Top and Bottom Payload Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UAV payload delivery systems face challenges with expensive robotic arms that only allow top loading and lack adaptability for manual and automated loading from both top and bottom, limiting operational flexibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A UAV design with a pivotally movable payload storing compartment that can assume three positions: closed for flight, top-loading/unloading, and bottom-loading/unloading, facilitated by displacing means like plungers or motors, enabling both manual and automated loading/unloading from multiple directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If robotic arms are integrated into the UAV for automated payload handling, then automated loading and unloading is enabled, but the system becomes expensive and cannot perform manual loading
Solution Approach 1:
The payload storing compartment is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be positioned in a first loading/unloading position for manual or automated top loading, a second loading/unloading position for automated bottom loading, and a closed position for secure transport. This multi-position design allows the same structure to accommodate both manual and automated handling methods without requiring separate robotic arm systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The payload storing compartment is made movable between different positions through displacing means, allowing it to dynamically transition between loading configurations. This dynamic repositioning capability enables the system to adapt between manual and automated operations by simply changing the compartment's position rather than requiring different hardware systems.
2Extent of automation
If robotic arms are used for payload handling, then automated operation is achieved, but the system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of investing in expensive robotic arms, the patent uses a simpler, more cost-effective displacing means system that can be manufactured at lower cost. The payload storing compartment itself serves as the primary mechanism for automated handling through its movable design, eliminating the need for costly robotic manipulation equipment while maintaining automated operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex robotic arm system from the design and replaces it with a simplified displacing means system. By removing the expensive robotic components and relying on the movable payload storing compartment positioned at different locations, the system achieves automated handling without the high cost associated with robotic arms.
3Device complexity
If the payload storing compartment is fixed in position, then structural simplicity is maintained, but both top and bottom loading cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The payload storing compartment transitions from a fixed to a movable design, allowing it to be positioned at different locations (first loading/unloading position for top access, second loading/unloading position for bottom access). This dynamic repositioning capability enables multi-directional loading while maintaining relatively simple structural implementation through the use of displacing means rather than complex mechanical structures.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) (100) comprising: - a fuselage body (110) including an internal cavity (112) adapted to receive a payload storing compartment (120), - a payload storing compartment (120) having a central hollow space (122) extending therethrough, the central hollow space (122) forming a cargo bay for transporting a payload (P), wherein the payload storing compartment (120) is pivotally movable relative to the fuselage body (110) between at least three different positions, namely a closed position, in which the payload storing compartment (120) fills the internal cavity (112) and is flush with an outer periphery of the fuselage body (110), a first loading/unloading position, in which a payload (P) can be loaded into the central hollow space (122) from an upper side of the payload storing compartment (120), and a second loading/unloading position, in which a payload (P) can be loaded into the central hollow space (122), respectively unloaded therefrom, from a lower side of the payload storing compartment (120).