UAV Package Container with Smart Manifest for Automated Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current package transport systems using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) lack efficient mechanisms for secure, intelligent, and automated package delivery operations, particularly in challenging environments, and do not effectively manage delivery failures or provide real-time tracking and recovery options.

Innovation Solution

A package transport container system equipped with a manifest device having a computer processor, a configurable locking mechanism, and a connector that securely attaches to the UAV, allowing for real-time monitoring of package coordinates and automatic release at delivery locations, along with integrated recovery features and communication capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a package transport container uses a simple attachment mechanism to the UAV, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of secure package transport is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment mechanism complexityVSAvoidpackage transport security

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism is divided into multiple independent components: a connector that interfaces with the UAV, a locking mechanism with movable and fixed locking members, and a manifest device. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function reliably while keeping individual components relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is pre-configured with movable and fixed locking members that automatically engage with corresponding features on the UAV connector. The system performs preliminary securing actions during attachment, ensuring reliability is established before transport begins, rather than requiring complex continuous monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Extent of automation

If the package transport container includes automated tracking and release mechanisms, then the extent of automation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery operation automationVSAvoidcontainer system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The manifest device automatically monitors transport conditions and determines when delivery criteria are met. The locking mechanism autonomously actuates to release the package at the destination without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by making automated decisions based on pre-programmed delivery parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manifest device receives feedback from tracking sensors monitoring the container's location and status during transport. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically determine when delivery conditions are satisfied and trigger the release mechanism accordingly, enabling automation through intelligent response to real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the locking mechanism uses multiple locking members for secure attachment, then the reliability of package security is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackage attachment securityVSAvoidlocking mechanism operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The manual operation of multiple locking members is replaced with an automated actuation system controlled by the manifest device. Electrical or electronic actuation mechanisms substitute for manual mechanical manipulation, maintaining secure attachment through multiple locking members while eliminating the operational complexity for the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Measurement precision

If the package transport container implements real-time coordinate monitoring, then the measurement precision of delivery location is improved, but the use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery location accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption for tracking

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous real-time monitoring, the system uses periodic coordinate checks at key milestones during transport. The manifest device updates location information at intervals or at predetermined checkpoints, maintaining sufficient delivery accuracy while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS10370103B2Package transport container and transport operations for an unmanned aerial vehicle

Publication Date: 2019.08.06 KYNDRYL INC

AI summary

According to an aspect, a package transport container for a UAV includes a manifest device having a computer processor, a receptacle including a base that secures contents of the receptacle, a locking mechanism that couples the manifest device to the receptacle during transport, and a connector coupling the manifest device to the UAV. The processor transmits material properties of the contents of the receptacle to the UAV, receives routing information for a package to be transported, monitors coordinates of the package transport container during transport, and upon determining the coordinates match coordinates of a delivery location specified in the routing information: sends a release request signal to the UAV to release the receptacle; receives a release command from the UAV; and disengages the locking mechanism to release the manifest device from the base. The routing information is determined at least in part based on the material properties of the contents.