UAV Carriage Lock Mechanism for Controlled Package Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UAV systems face issues such as package damage due to improper velocity during delivery, complex control requirements for landing on small or moving targets, and laborious battery charging processes, which hinder efficient operation.
Innovation Solution
The UAV design includes a chassis with a power supply, control system, and auxiliary systems like a carriage and winch mechanism, enabling controlled package delivery, improved landing capabilities through a landing apparatus with a wider target area, and automated battery replacement without rebooting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the UAV uses a constant velocity for package delivery, then the delivery process is simple to control, but the package may become damaged by impact with the ground if the velocity is too high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from constant velocity to variable velocity control. The UAV adjusts its descent velocity dynamically during the delivery process, using multiple velocity stages (initial descent, intermediate descent, and final descent) to balance control simplicity with package safety, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and package damage prevention
2Manufacturing precision
If the UAV lands on a small or moving target, then the delivery precision is improved, but the control complexity increases due to requiring low tolerances and complex control algorithms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the landing process into distinct phases with different velocity and control parameters. The multi-stage velocity control system segments the complex landing task into manageable stages, reducing control algorithm complexity while maintaining high landing precision on small or moving targets
3Ease of manufacture
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 preliminary action by pre-configuring the UAV with an extended battery system and automated battery replacement mechanism. The extended battery maintains power supply during battery changes, and the automated mechanism performs battery replacement without requiring UAV shutdown, eliminating reboot time and operational interruptions
4Ease of manufacture
If the UAV uses a charge cord attachment method, then the battery can be charged, but the operator must perform the extra step of attaching the cord, which is laborious and causes material wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing an automated battery replacement system that performs charging operations without operator intervention. The system automatically attaches and detaches batteries, and the extended battery provides continuous power during the process, eliminating the laborious manual cord attachment steps and associated material wear
Data Source
AI summary
An example carriage is configured for mounting to an unmanned aerial vehicle. The carriage generally includes a housing assembly configured for mounting to the unmanned aerial vehicle, a movable grip mounted to the housing assembly for movement between a capturing position and a releasing position, a latch device, and a driver. The latch device has a latching state and an unlatching state, is configured to retain the movable grip in the capturing position when the latch device is in the latching state, and is configured to permit movement of the movable grip from the capturing position to the releasing position when in the unlatching state. The driver is operable to transition the latch device from the latching state to the unlatching state.