UAV Mobile Exchange Stations for Wider Delivery Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current UAV transportation systems are limited in their ability to deliver packages to widespread areas such as cities or multiple neighborhoods due to their fixed launch points, lacking flexibility and mobility.

Innovation Solution

Integration of UAVs with mobile exchange stations, such as package transporting vehicles, to facilitate flexible and mobile payload transportation, including the use of portable electronic devices and computer systems to determine and provide UAV flight routes, and the use of scannable and readable identifications for payload containers to automate the transportation process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If UAVs are launched from fixed distribution facilities, then the system structure is simple and easy to manage, but the delivery coverage is limited and flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery coverageVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the delivery network into multiple mobile exchange stations distributed across different neighborhoods, each serving as an independent launch point for UAVs. This segmentation allows the system to cover widespread areas while maintaining manageable local operations at each station.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The exchange stations are implemented as mobile platforms (vehicles) rather than fixed facilities, allowing them to dynamically reposition to different locations. This enables the system to adapt to changing delivery demands and expand coverage areas without building permanent infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If UAVs make multiple stops to deliver packages to different addresses, then delivery coverage increases, but transportation time and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery coverageVSAvoidtransportation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Packages are pre-positioned at mobile exchange stations near their destination neighborhoods before final delivery. UAVs then perform direct flights from these nearby stations to final destinations, avoiding long-distance travel from centralized facilities and reducing transportation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Mobile exchange stations serve as intermediary points between centralized distribution facilities and final delivery addresses. Packages are transferred to these intermediaries for local distribution, reducing the distance and time UAVs must travel for final delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If UAVs operate from fixed facilities, then operational control is simplified, but mobility and flexibility for widespread delivery are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemobilityVSAvoidoperational control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile exchange stations are designed as multi-functional platforms that can serve multiple neighborhoods and act as both launch points and receiving points for UAVs. This universal design simplifies operational control while enhancing mobility and adaptability across different delivery scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11820507B2Methods and systems for transportation using unmanned aerial vehicles

Publication Date: 2023.11.21 MATTERNET INC

AI summary

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for transporting a payload is provided. The UAV comprises a body and one or more propellers rotatably connected to the body. The UAV further comprises a battery mounted to the body. The battery is releasable from the bottom of the UAV. The UAV further comprises a payload container mounted to the body. The payload container is releasable from the bottom of the UAV to a landing platform associated with a UAV station.