Multi-Slot UAV Payload Coupling for Autonomous Pickup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UAV systems face inefficiencies in payload retrieval due to the need for human intervention, leading to waiting times and energy expenditure when the designated person is delayed or absent, resulting in delayed payload delivery.
Innovation Solution
A payload coupling apparatus suspended by a tether from a UAV, featuring slots to automatically secure and decouple with the payload handle, enabling autonomous retrieval and delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a person is designated to secure the payload to the UAV, then the payload can be securely attached, but waiting time and energy expenditure increase when the person is delayed or absent
Solution Approach 1:
The payload coupling apparatus enables automatic self-service attachment and detachment. The slots on the coupling apparatus automatically engage with the payload handle when the payload is lowered, and automatically detach when the payload reaches the ground, eliminating the need for human intervention and resolving the contradiction between reliable attachment and time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling apparatus is pre-configured with slots that are ready to receive the payload handle. The autoloader assembly is pre-positioned with the payload, so when the UAV arrives, the attachment process occurs automatically without waiting for human preparation, thus reducing waiting time while maintaining secure attachment.
2Reliability
If the UAV hovers or lands to wait for the designated person, then the payload can be secured, but energy consumption increases and delivery is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic payload securement without requiring the UAV to hover or land waiting for human intervention. The slots and payload handle are designed to automatically engage during the lowering process, eliminating the need for energy-consuming hover or wait periods while ensuring reliable payload securement.
Solution Approach 2:
The payload retrieval process continues uninterrupted from the moment the UAV arrives. The payload is automatically attached during the lowering operation itself, eliminating idle hover time and continuous energy consumption, thus maintaining continuous useful action throughout the delivery process.
3Ease of operation
If manual payload securing is used, then the payload can be attached to the UAV, but the process requires human intervention and causes delays
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling apparatus with slots and the payload handle are designed to automatically engage with each other during the lowering process. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention entirely, simplifying the operation while dramatically increasing payload retrieval speed and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of securing the payload is replaced by an automated mechanical engagement system. The slots and handle automatically interact through the lowering motion itself, substituting the need for manual handling operations and thereby increasing productivity without compromising ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A payload coupling apparatus having a housing comprising an outer surface extending around a perimeter of the housing, an upper portion above the outer surface and including a tether attachment point, and a lower portion below the outer surface; a first slot extending into the outer surface of the housing thereby forming a first lower lip on the housing beneath the first slot; wherein the first slot is adapted to receive a handle of a payload; and a second slot extending into the outer surface of the housing thereby forming a second lower lip on the housing beneath the second slot; wherein the second slot is adapted to receive the handle of the payload.