UAV Carriage Latch and Hot-Swap Battery Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UAV systems face issues such as package damage during delivery due to improper velocity control, complex landing requirements on small or moving targets, and inefficient battery charging processes that require manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
The UAV is equipped with a carriage featuring a movable grip, a latch device, and a driver to manage package delivery, a landing apparatus with a tapered docking station for precise landing, and a power system that allows battery replacement without rebooting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the UAV lowers the package at high velocity, then the delivery time is reduced, but the package may become damaged by impact with the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by implementing a controlled descent mechanism that activates before package impact. The winch system is pre-configured to provide controlled lowering at the final stage of delivery, cushioning the package against impact damage before it reaches the ground while maintaining high overall delivery velocity.
2Ease of operation
If the UAV requires battery removal for charging, then the charging process can be performed, but the UAV loses power and must reboot, which is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the power system into modular battery units that can be independently replaced. The UAV chassis includes a battery compartment with a latch mechanism that allows quick swapping of battery modules without removing entire power systems or causing system shutdowns, thereby eliminating reboot time while maintaining charging accessibility.
3Ease of operation
If the UAV requires a charge cord to be attached for charging, then the battery can be charged, but the operator must perform extra manual steps which is laborious and causes material wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing an automated charging system where the UAV autonomously docks with a charging station. The latch mechanism on the carriage automatically engages with the docking station, and electrical contacts are automatically aligned and connected, eliminating the need for manual cord attachment while reducing wear on charging interfaces through precise mechanical positioning.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the landing pad is small and mounted to a moving vehicle, then the UAV delivery flexibility is improved, but the landing control tolerance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing an active compensation system that adapts to the moving landing platform. The carriage includes movable grips and adjustable positioning mechanisms that can dynamically adjust the landing zone position and orientation during the landing process, compensating for platform movement and reducing the precision requirements for the initial approach while maintaining flexibility in landing location selection.
Data Source
AI summary
An unmanned aerial vehicle according to certain embodiments generally includes a chassis, a control system, and at least one rotor. The chassis includes a first battery compartment configured to receive sliding insertion of a first battery, and a second battery compartment configured to receive sliding insertion of a second battery. The control system is operable to receive power from the first battery when the first battery is received in the first battery compartment, and is operable to receive power from the second battery when the second battery is received in the second battery compartment. The at least one rotor is operable to generate lift under control of the control system. The control system is configured to remain at least partially active under power supplied by the first battery when the second battery is removed from the second battery compartment.