Ceiling-Mounted UAV Docking Station Mounts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for supporting unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), such as ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted drone docking stations, require complex and expensive installations and are not suitable for various structure types, posing challenges in stability and security, especially under forces like those from magnetic docking and undocking.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of ceiling bracing systems that maintain tension and support upward and downward forces up to 50 lbs, using a combination of anchoring elements, panels, and structural support to secure the docking station, preventing movement and ensuring stability without affecting the ceiling grid structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted drone docking stations are installed using existing systems, then UAV support function is achieved, but installation complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: a mounting bracket that attaches to the ceiling grid, a separate bracing assembly with tensioning elements, and the docking station itself. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies installation by allowing modular assembly without requiring complex integrated solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the existing ceiling grid structure as a template for mounting, copying its modular framework to support the docking station. By adapting to the existing grid pattern rather than requiring new structural modifications, the system achieves reliable mounting with minimal installation complexity.
2Reliability
If existing mounting systems are used to support UAV docking stations, then basic support is provided, but adaptability to various structure types and ceiling types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is designed with universal attachment mechanisms that can interface with standard ceiling grid structures commonly found in commercial and institutional buildings. The bracing assembly can be configured for different orientations and attachment points, making the system adaptable to various ceiling types including suspended ceilings, solid ceilings, and different grid patterns without requiring custom design modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system incorporates adjustable and configurable elements that allow installation personnel to adapt the bracket and bracing configuration to match the specific ceiling structure being used. This dynamic adjustability enables the same basic mounting system to reliably support docking stations across multiple different ceiling types and structural configurations.
3Strength
If ceiling bracing systems are implemented to maintain tension and support forces, then stability under operational forces is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracing assembly incorporates tensioning elements that create counterbalancing forces to resist the weight and operational forces of the docking station and UAV. These tensioning elements are configured to maintain constant tension that counteracts gravitational forces and magnetic docking/undocking forces, providing stable support without requiring overly complex structural reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracing system utilizes three-dimensional spatial configuration with bracing elements extending in multiple directions from the mounting bracket. This multi-dimensional bracing approach distributes forces across different spatial planes, providing comprehensive force resistance while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that integrates cleanly with the ceiling grid.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for supporting a ceiling mounted unmanned aerial vehicle docking station for a premises including a ceiling grid and a support structure disposed above the ceiling grid is provided. The apparatus includes an unmanned aerial vehicle docking station mounting bracket including a top surface and a bottom surface which is configured to be affixed to an exposed surface of a ceiling element in the ceiling grid by a first plurality of fastening elements. The bottom surface of the bracket is configured to be affixed to the ceiling mounted unmanned aerial vehicle docking station. The apparatus further includes a panel including a top surface and a bottom surface which is configured to be affixed to a concealed surface of the ceiling element by the first plurality of fastening elements. The top surface of the panel includes at least one anchoring element physically coupling the panel to the support structure.