Gravity-Locked UAV Payload Coupling for Automatic Ground Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UAV package delivery systems require human intervention for loading and unloading payloads, are complex and costly due to the need for communication wires or wireless means, and pose safety risks from rotor blades, necessitating a safer and more efficient coupling mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A coupling member with a guide path and inclined surfaces that automatically engages and disengages with a payload, using gravitational force to rotate and lock/unlock, eliminating the need for human intervention and additional communication systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated coupling mechanisms with communication wires or wireless means are used, then the payload can be automatically detached at the delivery destination, but the mass of the UAV increases and the complexity of operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the communication wire and wireless communication means from the coupling mechanism, extracting the unnecessary components that added complexity while maintaining automated detachment functionality through a purely mechanical gravity-based release system
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism uses the gravitational force of the payload itself to automatically trigger the detachment process when the UAV lands, eliminating the need for external communication systems or additional actuators to initiate the release
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the UAV hovers at a distance above the ground for safety, then human safety is improved, but the need for manual payload attachment and detachment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable cable acts as an intermediary between the UAV and the payload, allowing the UAV to maintain a safe distance from the ground while the cable extends to reach the payload for automatic coupling and detachment operations
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member automatically couples with and detaches from the payload without human intervention, using the relative motion between the UAV and ground to trigger the engagement and release mechanisms
3Reliability
If conventional delivery services are used, then reliable delivery is achieved, but significant investment in fleet and human resources is required
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV performs payload attachment and detachment operations autonomously without requiring human operators to manually handle the payload, reducing the need for human resources while maintaining delivery reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex communication systems and control mechanisms with a simple gravity-based mechanical release system, reducing overall system complexity while achieving automated payload delivery
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
Enables safe, efficient, and automated coupling and uncoupling of payloads from UAVs, reducing complexity and cost while minimizing human interaction with hazardous rotor blades.
Implementation Method 1
The first part is inclined so as to extend in the first longitudinal direction and in the azimuthal direction, thereby to cause the coupling member to rotate in the azimuthal direction when the coupling member is moved in the first longitudinal direction towards the coupling counterpart
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a package delivery mechanism for use by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The package delivery mechanism includes a gravity activated locking mechanism to lock and unlock a package attached to the UAV based on the weight of the package. When the package is attached to suspension means of the UAV that lowers the package to the ground from the UAV, the locking mechanism automatically engages with the package and keeps the package locked to the suspension means, due to the weight of the package. When the package is lowered and reaches on the ground, the weight of the package is offloaded from the suspension means, which enables the locking mechanism to be disengaged, thereby releasing the package. The package delivery mechanism includes a severing module to sever the suspension means from the UAV.