Modular UAV Cargo Container With Integrated Power Supply

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Solution Overview

Problem

Commercial UAVs face limitations in flight distance and duration due to battery capacity, necessitating frequent recharging or battery replacement, which restricts their application in logistics and increases operational costs.

Innovation Solution

A container device for UAVs comprising an inner and outer housing with a power supply, allowing wireless or wired charging, and a transport system with a packstation for efficient battery charging and cargo handling, enabling continuous operation without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If the UAV uses a larger battery to extend flight time and distance, then the flight duration and transport distance are improved, but the weight and volume of the UAV increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflight timeVSAvoidUAV weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The battery system is segmented into multiple modular battery packs that can be independently attached to or removed from the UAV. This allows the UAV to carry only the necessary battery capacity for each mission, reducing unnecessary weight while maintaining extended flight capability when needed. The container device itself is also segmented into detachable inner and outer housings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A container device serves as an intermediary structure between the UAV and the battery packs. This container can be attached to the UAV and provides a standardized interface for mounting multiple battery packs, allowing efficient power supply without directly increasing UAV structural weight. The container acts as a mediator that manages the battery-UAV interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Length of stationary object

If the UAV carries more battery capacity for long-distance flight, then the transport distance is improved, but the payload capacity for cargo decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport distanceVSAvoidcargo capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The battery configuration is made dynamic and adaptable. The UAV can carry different numbers of battery packs in the container device depending on the mission requirements. For long-distance flights, more battery packs are attached; for cargo-heavy missions, fewer battery packs are used. This dynamic reconfiguration allows optimization of the trade-off between transport distance and cargo capacity for each specific task.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the UAV requires frequent battery recharging or replacement, then the operational flexibility is reduced, but the flight time between charges is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidflight time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple battery packs are pre-loaded into the container device before flight. This preliminary preparation allows the UAV to access additional battery power without needing to return to a charging station during the mission. The container device is pre-configured with the necessary power supply units, enabling extended operational flexibility without frequent interruptions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Loss of time

If fast-charging apparatus is used to reduce charging time, then the charging speed is improved, but the cost and complexity of the system increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging timeVSAvoidcharging system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of investing in expensive fast-charging infrastructure, the system uses multiple relatively inexpensive, replaceable battery packs. When one battery pack is depleted, another can be quickly swapped in from the container device. This approach trades the cost of fast-charging technology for the cost of additional battery packs, reducing system complexity while maintaining operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

Enhances flight time and transport distance, reduces the need for battery recharging, and improves operational efficiency by integrating a power supply system with the UAV.

Implementation Method 1

the power supply is electrically connected to a battery of the UAV

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical energy transfer: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS12539986B2Cargo container device including power supply and transport system including packstation for UAV

Publication Date: 2026.02.03 IND TECH RES INST

AI summary

A container device of a UAV is provided. The container device is configured to receive a cargo and be connected to a UAV. The container device includes an outer housing, an inner housing, and a power supply. The outer housing is connected to the UAV. The inner housing is detachably connected to the outer housing, and configured to receive the cargo. The power supply is disposed in the inner housing. When the outer housing is connected to the UAV and the inner housing is connected to the outer housing, the power supply is electrically connected to a battery of the UAV. A transport system of a UAV is also provided.