UAV Delivery Interception Using 5G Telemetry From Connected Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are unable to deliver goods to individuals on the move, such as those traveling in connected vehicles, as they lack the capability to intercept and deliver packages while the vehicle is in transit.

Innovation Solution

A 5G antenna is mounted on the connected vehicle, enabling real-time telemetry and data communication with UAVs, allowing them to determine an optimal route to intercept the vehicle and deliver packages while it is in motion, using speed and direction data to synchronize the delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional UAVs are used for delivery, then they can deliver goods to stationary locations, but they cannot deliver goods to moving vehicles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery capability to moving vehiclesVSAvoiddelivery accuracy to moving target
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the UAV's flight path and speed based on real-time vehicle telemetry data (speed, direction, location). The delivery route is continuously updated to intercept the moving vehicle at the optimal point, transforming a static delivery model into a dynamic tracking and interception model that adapts to the vehicle's motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes real-time communication between the connected vehicle and UAV through 5G connectivity. Vehicle telemetry data (speed, direction, location) is continuously transmitted to the UAV, enabling the UAV to receive feedback about the vehicle's state and adjust its interception strategy accordingly, ensuring reliable delivery to the moving target.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of time

If real-time vehicle tracking is implemented, then optimal interception route can be determined, but data communication infrastructure is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery time to moving vehicleVSAvoidcommunication system requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system leverages the existing 5G communication infrastructure already present in connected vehicles for its primary function (vehicle control and monitoring) and extends it to serve the additional function of UAV coordination for delivery. This multi-functional use of the existing communication system avoids adding dedicated hardware while enabling real-time tracking and route optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Speed

If UAV intercepts vehicle in motion, then delivery speed is improved, but synchronization precision is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery speed to moving vehicleVSAvoidsynchronization accuracy for delivery
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary calculations to determine the optimal interception point and timing before the UAV reaches the vehicle. By using real-time vehicle telemetry data (speed, direction, location), the system pre-computes the interception trajectory and adjusts it dynamically, ensuring the UAV arrives at the precise synchronization point for successful delivery while maintaining high speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4481649A1A system to deliver goods to a connected vehicle using unmanned aerial vehicles
Publication Date: 2024.12.25 T MOBILE INNOVATIONS LLC
  • EP4481649A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4481649A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4481649A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Methods are provided for delivering goods to a connected vehicle using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Upon receiving a request comprising instructions to deliver a package to a customer, a connection is established between the connected vehicle paired to a user device and the UAV authorized to deliver the package to an interface of the connected vehicle. The connection enables data corresponding to the connected vehicle to be communicated to the UAV. In aspect, the data comprises speed and direction of the connected vehicle allowing an optimal route to intercept the connected vehicle to be determined.