UAV Automated Loading via Landing Pad Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
The inefficiency and costliness of manual multi-step loading and unloading of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) due to weight limitations, which requires multiple trips and exposes customers to propellers during product delivery.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an unmanned aerial vehicle with a processor-based control circuit and a receptacle having a movable cover, allowing for automated loading and unloading of packages via a network of landing pads, enabling efficient and safe transportation of products without human operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If manual multi-step loading is used to deliver products exceeding 55 pounds, then the UAV can deliver larger quantities of products, but the delivery time increases and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the delivery process into multiple automated steps: the UAV flies to the customer location, lands on the landing pad, opens its receptacle cover, and allows the entire package to be unloaded at once. This segmentation eliminates the need for multiple loading trips while maintaining the ability to deliver large quantities of products.
Solution Approach 2:
The landing pad serves as an intermediary structure between the UAV and the customer. It provides a stable platform for the UAV to land and for the package to be transferred, enabling efficient unloading of heavy products without requiring the customer to approach the moving UAV.
2Quantity of substance
If manual multi-step loading is used to deliver products exceeding 55 pounds, then the UAV can deliver larger quantities of products, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service delivery where the UAV autonomously completes the delivery process. The UAV flies to the destination, lands on the landing pad, and the package is automatically transferred to the pad. This eliminates the need for operators to manually load and unload the UAV multiple times, significantly improving operational efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If the UAV hovers close to the customer for manual unloading, then the delivery can be completed, but the customer is exposed to moving propellers which is unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The landing pad acts as a safe intermediary between the UAV and the customer. The UAV hovers at a safe distance above the landing pad, transfers the package to the pad, and then departs. The customer can then retrieve the package from the landing pad without ever being exposed to the UAV's moving propellers.
Solution Approach 2:
The unloading process is extracted from the UAV itself and transferred to the landing pad. Instead of the customer interacting directly with the UAV to remove packages, the landing pad provides a separate, safe location for package transfer, eliminating the hazard of customer exposure to propellers.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, methods and systems of facilitating movement of product-containing pallets include at least one forklift unit configured to lift and move the product-containing pallets, at least one motorized transport unit configured to mechanically engage and disengage a respective forklift unit, and a central computer system in communication with the at least one motorized transport unit. The central computer system is configured to transmit at least one signal to the at least one motorized transport unit. The signal is configured to cause the at least one motorized transport unit to control the at least one forklift unit to move at least one of the product-containing pallets.