External Containment Apparatus for UAV Payload Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) face limitations in efficiently transporting large, bulky, or irregularly shaped payloads due to their fixed internal cargo capacity, which restricts their versatility and mission capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The design of a modular fuselage with a detachable mission payload module and an external containment apparatus that can securely hold and transport payloads of varying sizes and shapes, using a tethered payload coupling system for pick-up and delivery, allowing for flexible and aerodynamic transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed internal cargo capacity is used in UAVs, then the structural design is simple, but the versatility and mission capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The fuselage is divided into a fixed base structure and a detachable mission payload module. The payload module can be separated from the base fuselage, allowing the UAV to operate with different payload configurations or without payload entirely. This segmentation enables versatile payload transport capabilities while maintaining a relatively simple base structure design.
Solution Approach 2:
The payload module is designed to be dynamically attachable and detachable from the fuselage base. The coupling mechanism allows for quick attachment and detachment of payload modules, enabling the UAV to adapt to different mission requirements without permanent structural modifications. This dynamic configuration increases versatility while avoiding permanent structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed internal cargo capacity is used in UAVs, then the manufacturing cost is lower, but the mission flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The base fuselage is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple types of payload modules through standardized coupling interfaces. This universal design allows the same base fuselage to support various mission payloads (surveillance, delivery, reconnaissance, etc.) without requiring separate dedicated structures for each mission type, thereby maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving high mission flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the UAV into a standardized base fuselage and interchangeable payload modules, the manufacturing complexity is contained in the modular components rather than the entire system. The base fuselage can be manufactured once and reused, while only the payload modules need to be customized for specific missions, reducing overall manufacturing complexity compared to custom-built UAVs for each mission type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an external containment apparatus is added to transport payloads, then payload transport capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The external containment apparatus is designed to nest around or attach to the existing fuselage structure. The containment apparatus can be configured to envelop the payload module or attach externally to the base fuselage, providing enhanced payload transport capability while minimizing additional structural complexity. The nested design allows the containment apparatus to utilize the existing UAV structure rather than requiring completely separate support systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism serves as an intermediary between the payload module and the base fuselage, providing a standardized interface for attachment and detachment. This intermediary component simplifies the overall system by providing a universal coupling interface that can accommodate different payload types and sizes, reducing the need for custom attachment mechanisms for each payload configuration and thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
An apparatus and method for transporting a payload are disclosed herein. In embodiments, a system for transporting a payload includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) including a payload coupling apparatus, and a containment apparatus having an aerodynamic shape and including first and second openings. The containment apparatus is located external to the UAV and attaches to an underside of the UAV. The payload coupling apparatus passes through the first and second openings of the containment apparatus to couple with the payload, and the payload passes through the second opening to be positioned inside or outside the containment apparatus.