UAV Payload Coupling Slot for Hover-Based Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing payload coupling systems for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are complex and prone to failure due to moving parts, and they often require infrastructure for landing and payload delivery, limiting flexibility and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A payload coupling apparatus with a solid-state design featuring a slot for receiving a payload handle, which automatically decouples upon ground contact, and utilizes cams for orientation within the UAV fuselage, allowing for hover-based delivery and retrieval without landing, reducing complexity and infrastructure needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing payload coupling systems use moving parts for coupling and decoupling, then the payload can be delivered, but the system becomes complex and prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes moving parts from the payload coupling system by using a solid-state slot structure. The slot is a fixed geometric feature in the payload coupling device that passively guides and releases the payload handle through its shape and orientation, eliminating the need for mechanical coupling mechanisms with moving components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical coupling system with moving parts with a geometric constraint system. The slot's specific geometry (including its angle and depth) creates the coupling and decoupling actions through passive mechanical guidance rather than active mechanical components, substituting a simpler geometric solution for a complex mechanical one.
2Adaptability or versatility
If payload coupling systems require infrastructure for landing, then payload delivery can be achieved, but flexibility is limited and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The payload coupling device performs its own coupling and decoupling functions through its inherent geometric design. The slot automatically engages the payload handle during descent and automatically releases it upon ground contact, eliminating the need for external infrastructure or additional systems to assist in the payload delivery process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses changes in the device's orientation and position parameters to achieve coupling and decoupling. As the payload coupling device descends and contacts the ground, the change in orientation causes the slot to naturally release the handle, enabling delivery without requiring infrastructure-based release mechanisms.
3Extent of automation
If the payload coupling device continues moving downward after payload reaches ground, then automatic decoupling is achieved, but re-engagement with obstacles may occur during retrieval
Solution Approach 1:
The slot is designed with an asymmetric geometry where the entry path allows the handle to engage easily during descent, but the exit path prevents re-engagement during retrieval. The specific angle and shape of the slot create a one-way coupling mechanism that automatically decouples upon ground contact while preventing the handle from re-engaging with the slot during the retrieval phase.
Data Source
AI summary
An unmanned aerial vehicle system including an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV); a tether having a first end positioned in a winch system of the UAV and a second end secured to a payload coupling apparatus; a payload coupling apparatus receptacle positioned in the UAV; a payload having a handle, wherein the handle of the payload is positioned within a slot in the payload coupling apparatus; wherein the UAV has a recessed restraint slot for receiving a top portion of the payload.