UAV Nest Docking and Winch Delivery for Precise Package Lowering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing UAV systems face limitations such as inconsistent package delivery velocities, complex control requirements for landing on small or moving targets, and laborious battery charging processes, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential damage.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and a base station with a nested landing apparatus that allows for controlled package delivery and charging, featuring a winch mechanism for adjustable descent and a docking station for efficient battery replacement and charging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the UAV lowers the package at high velocity, then the delivery time is reduced, but the package may become damaged by impact with the ground

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery speedVSAvoidimpact damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by implementing a controlled descent mechanism that reduces the package's descent velocity before ground contact. The system uses a winch mechanism with variable speed control to gradually reduce the lowering speed, ensuring the package reaches the ground at a safe velocity that prevents impact damage while still maintaining efficient delivery timing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the UAV lowers the package at low velocity, then the package damage risk is reduced, but the delivery time is unnecessarily extended

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact damageVSAvoiddelivery time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by implementing a variable velocity control system that adjusts the package lowering speed dynamically during descent. The system transitions from higher initial velocities to progressively lower velocities as the package approaches the ground, optimizing the balance between delivery speed and impact prevention through continuous velocity modulation rather than maintaining a constant low speed throughout the entire descent.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the UAV is controlled with low tolerances for landing on a small moving target, then the control system complexity is reduced, but the landing precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol algorithm complexityVSAvoidlanding precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by implementing an autonomous landing system where the UAV independently tracks and lands on the moving target without requiring complex external control algorithms. The UAV uses onboard sensors and processors to autonomously calculate the moving target's trajectory, adjust its own flight path, and execute precise landing, thereby achieving high landing precision while maintaining relatively simple overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If the battery is removed for charging, then the charging process is simplified, but the UAV loses power and requires rebooting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging process simplicityVSAvoidreboot time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by separating the battery charging function from the UAV's operational structure. The battery is designed as a modular component with integrated charging contacts that allow the battery to be charged independently while remaining connected to the UAV system. This segmentation enables the battery to be removed for dedicated charging without requiring UAV power loss or rebooting, as the charging process occurs autonomously at the battery level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

5Use of energy by moving object

If a charge cord is attached to the UAV for charging, then continuous power supply is maintained, but the operator must perform extra steps and material wear increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply continuityVSAvoidcharging operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by implementing an autonomous charging system where the UAV automatically docks with the charging station and establishes electrical contact without operator intervention. The charging contacts are designed to engage automatically when the UAV lands on the charging pad, eliminating the need for manual cord attachment. This self-service mechanism maintains continuous power supply capability while significantly reducing operational complexity and material wear from repeated manual connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12037137B2Flying vehicle systems and methods
Publication Date: 2024.07.16 AERO VELOCITY INC
  • US12037137B2 patent drawing
  • US12037137B2 patent drawing
  • US12037137B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method according to certain embodiments generally involves operating a system including an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and a base station. The base station includes a nest including an upper opening having an upper opening diameter and a lower opening having a lower opening diameter less than the upper opening diameter. The lower opening is accessible from within the base station. The method generally includes landing the UAV within the nest such that a portion of the UAV is accessible via the lower opening, releasably attaching a load to the UAV, and operating the UAV to deliver the load to a destination.