Self-Centering UAV Landing Platform With Rotating Pin Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Landing an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) at a specific location is challenging due to turbulence generated by the propellers and reflected by the landing surface, especially when the surface is moving, requiring precise positioning for payload loading and other activities.
Innovation Solution
A landing platform with a rotating plate and centering pins, controlled by a motor, that synchronously moves to center the UAV on the platform, allowing for precise alignment and access for payload handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a UAV lands on a moving surface, then the landing platform can be positioned flexibly, but precise positioning becomes more difficult due to turbulence and surface movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic centering mechanism where a rotating plate with centering pins actively adjusts the UAV's position after landing. The plate rotates to move the pins, which physically guide the UAV to the center of the platform, compensating for positioning errors caused by turbulence and surface movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The centering mechanism is self-regulating through the interaction between the centering pins and the UAV's landing gear. As the rotating plate moves the pins, they automatically engage with the UAV and guide it to the correct position without requiring external intervention or complex control systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple motors and control systems are used to achieve precise positioning, then positioning accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-centering mechanism where the physical interaction between the centering pins and the UAV's landing gear automatically achieves precise positioning. This mechanical self-correction eliminates the need for multiple motors and complex electronic control systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating plate with centering pins acts as a mechanical intermediary between the landing platform and the UAV. Instead of using complex control systems to directly position the UAV, the intermediary mechanism physically guides the UAV to the center through the movement and engagement of the centering pins.
3Manufacturing precision
If the landing surface is stationary, then positioning is easier, but adaptability to moving surfaces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic centering system where the rotating plate can actively adjust the UAV's position after landing on a moving surface. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the platform to maintain positioning precision regardless of whether the surface is stationary or moving, enhancing adaptability without sacrificing positioning ease.
Data Source
AI summary
Example landing platform systems and methods are described. In one implementation, a landing platform includes a top plate configured to support an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), where the top plate has a plurality of slots therethrough. A rotating plate is located adjacent the top plate and includes multiple centering pins extending therefrom and extending through the plurality of slots in the top plate. A motor is capable of rotating the rotating plate, which causes the multiple centering pins to center the UAV on the top plate.