UAV Package Release Arms with Powered Hinges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current package delivery systems using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) face challenges such as package downdraft interference, potential crushing of stacked packages, and the need for minimal human intervention, particularly in securing and releasing packages from a truck or van without damaging them.
Innovation Solution
A package release system with adjustable arms and a control circuit that determines the optimal lowered position for arms to allow UAVs to securely retrieve packages from a stack, using powered hinges to pivot arms and accommodate varying package sizes and heights, ensuring secure holding and easy retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If arms are extended to surround stacked packages, then packages are secured, but arms obstruct UAV from coupling with package
Solution Approach 1:
The arms are designed to dynamically change position between an extended configuration for securing packages and a retracted configuration for allowing UAV coupling. The arms can pivot at hinges to transition between these states, enabling the system to adapt its structure based on operational requirements.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple packages are stacked vertically, then delivery capacity increases, but packages may be crushed or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The arm system divides the package stack into individually supportable segments. Each arm can be positioned to support specific packages at different heights, distributing the load and preventing crushing. The segmented arm structure allows selective support of packages based on their weight and position.
3Ease of operation
If arms are lowered to allow UAV access, then UAV coupling is enabled, but packages may become unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The arms dynamically adjust their position to maintain package stability during UAV coupling operations. The control system coordinates arm movement to lower arms only when necessary for UAV access while keeping other arms in position to support the package stack, thereby maintaining overall stability during the coupling process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables secure stacking and retrieval of packages by UAVs, minimizing human intervention and preventing package damage, while automatically adjusting to stack sizes and types, ensuring efficient and safe package delivery.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of powered hinges at a base of each of the plurality of arms... cause the plurality of powered hinges to pivot the plurality of arms from the extended position to the first lowered position
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided herein for providing package release for an unmanned aerial system. An apparatus for releasing packages for retrieval by an unmanned aerial system comprises a plurality of arms configured to surround a plurality of packages stacked vertically in an extended position, a plurality of powered hinges at a base of each of the plurality of arms, and a control circuit coupled to the plurality of powered hinges. The control circuit being configured to: determine a height for a first lowered position for the plurality of arms at which the plurality of arms do not obstruct an unmanned aerial vehicle from coupling with a coupling structure on a first package of the plurality of packages positioned at a top of the plurality of packages, and cause the plurality of powered hinges to pivot the plurality of arms from the extended position to the first lowered position.