UAV Payload Securement With Elastic Membrane Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Unsecured or poorly secured payloads in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can cause damage to both the payload and the UAV due to unwanted movement, leading to reduced power efficiency, flight precision, and potential damage to the UAV's structure and components.

Innovation Solution

A payload securement apparatus using elastic membranes and deployable members that can be configured in open and closed positions to securely hold the payload, reducing unwanted movement and damage during transit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If rigid members are used to secure payloads, then the payload is held firmly in place, but impacts from the UAV are transferred to the payload causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepayload securementVSAvoidimpact damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible membranes instead of rigid members to secure the payload. These membranes can deform and absorb impact forces, preventing direct transfer of shocks to the payload while maintaining securement during flight. The flexible nature allows the membrane to act as a cushion against turbulence and landing impacts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible membrane is pre-configured to provide cushioning protection before impacts occur. The membrane's elastic properties are designed to absorb and dissipate impact energy in advance, protecting the payload from damage during unexpected turbulence or landing scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Strength

If an unsecured or poorly secured payload is used, then the UAV structure is damaged through contact, but the payload can move freely causing dampening effects

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUAV structure protectionVSAvoidpower efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible membrane secures the payload without rigid contact points that could damage the UAV structure. The membrane distributes forces evenly across the payload and securement system, preventing concentrated loads on UAV components while maintaining proper payload positioning to avoid dampening effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible membrane dynamically adapts to payload movements and flight conditions, maintaining optimal securement throughout the flight. This dynamic response prevents both excessive movement that causes dampening and rigid constraint that could damage the UAV structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by moving object

If an unsecured payload is used, then power consumption increases due to dampening effects, but securing mechanisms add device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoidsecurement system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible membrane provides effective payload securement with minimal structural complexity. The single-piece or minimally-segmented membrane design eliminates the need for complex rigid frameworks, multiple fasteners, or adjustable mechanisms, thereby maintaining power efficiency without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible membrane is designed as a simple, lightweight component that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than a complex permanent structure. This approach reduces overall system complexity and cost while providing sufficient securement functionality for the flight duration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 solution effectively minimizes payload-related damage and enhances UAV efficiency by reducing dampening and oscillation effects, improving power efficiency and flight stability.

Implementation Method 1

A payload securement apparatus may include an elastic membrane coupled with at least a first member and a second member of the UAV

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The first member and the second member are configured to be deployed in a closed position providing support to the payload

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical support: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS12459641B2Apparatus for securing payload in aerial delivery

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 FLYTREX AVIATION LTD

AI summary

A system and method for payload securing and support in unmanned aerial delivery is presented. The system includes: a first member having a first connector configured to be connected to a first part of a UAV; a second member, having a second connector configured to be connected to a second part of the UAV; and a membrane coupled with the first member at a first edge and with the second member at a second edge, wherein the first member and the second member are configured to be deployed together in a first position relative to the vehicle and further configured to be deployed in a second position relative to the aerial vehicle such that the second position contacts a payload coupled to the aerial vehicle, providing support to the payload in a direction of travel of the aerial vehicle.