UAV Fleet Dispatch With Dynamic Route Updates for Aerial Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for package delivery, data capture, mapping, and surveillance rely on manned aircraft, which are costly, require extensive infrastructure, and are prone to human error, making them unsuitable for shorter missions or missions requiring smaller payloads and flexible deployment.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that can be rapidly deployed with minimal human involvement, featuring autonomous navigation, dynamic route planning, and flexible infrastructure, allowing for efficient package delivery, data capture, and surveillance without the need for extensive airfields or skilled personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manned aircraft are used for package delivery and surveillance, then the service can be provided, but the operational cost and infrastructure requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manned aircraft with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to eliminate the need for human operators, airfields, and associated infrastructure. The UAV system uses automated control and navigation systems instead of human pilots, thereby reducing infrastructure requirements while maintaining service delivery capability for package delivery and surveillance operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the human operator component from the aircraft system, creating an autonomous UAV platform. This extraction removes the dependency on airfields, runways, and other infrastructure required for manned aircraft operations, allowing UAVs to operate from simpler locations while maintaining full service delivery functionality
2Productivity
If manned aircraft are deployed for shorter missions with smaller payloads, then the service can be performed, but the cost-effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the aircraft market into different size categories (small, medium, large UAVs) that can be selected based on specific mission requirements. This segmentation allows for cost-effective deployment by matching the appropriate UAV size to the payload and mission duration needs, avoiding the excessive cost of deploying large manned aircraft for small missions while maintaining full mission completion capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If manned aircraft installations are made to handle changes in demand, then the service capacity can be adjusted, but the relocation difficulty and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic UAV deployment system where aircraft can be rapidly relocated and redeployed based on changing demand patterns. Unlike fixed manned aircraft installations, UAVs can be moved between locations without infrastructure constraints, allowing the system to adapt to seasonal variations and changing service demands while maintaining ease of operation through simple relocation procedures
4Productivity
If human operators are used to control aircraft, then the service can be provided, but the accident rate increases due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces human operators with automated control systems in UAVs, eliminating human error as a factor in aircraft operations. The automated systems include computerized navigation, flight control, and mission management that provide consistent, reliable operation without the safety issues associated with human pilots, while maintaining full service provision capability for package delivery and surveillance
Data Source
AI summary
An Unmanned Aerial System configured to receive a request from a user and fulfill that request using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. The Unmanned Aerial System selects a distribution center that is within range of the user, and deploys a suitable Unmanned Aerial Vehicle to fulfill the request from that distribution center. The Unmanned Aerial System is configured to provide real-time information about the flight route to the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle during its flight, and the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle is configured to dynamically update its mission based on information received from the Unmanned Aerial System.