UAV Payload Retrieval Channel for Automatic Handle Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned vehicles face delays and inefficiencies when arriving at payload retrieval sites due to the need for a designated person to secure the payload, leading to undesirable waiting times and energy expenditure.
Innovation Solution
A payload retrieval apparatus and method that includes a channel with a tether slot and payload holder, allowing the UAV to automatically secure the payload without human intervention by aligning a payload retriever with the payload's handle using curved portions and mechanical structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a designated person is required to secure the payload to the UAV, then the payload can be securely attached, but waiting time and energy expenditure increase when the UAV arrives early or the person is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The payload retrieval system enables the UAV to automatically secure the payload without human intervention. The automated mechanism includes a payload retriever that is automatically deployed from the UAV, guided through a channel, and positioned to engage with the payload handle, allowing the system to service itself rather than requiring external human assistance
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-positions the payload on a payload holder at the retrieval site before the UAV arrives. The channel and mechanical structures are prepared in advance to guide the payload retriever into the correct orientation and position for automatic engagement, eliminating the need for real-time human intervention during the attachment process
2Reliability
If the UAV hovers or remains on the ground waiting for the designated person, then the payload can be secured, but energy is expended and delivery is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The automated payload retrieval system allows the UAV to independently complete the attachment process without hovering to wait for human operators. The self-service mechanism automatically deploys the payload retriever, guides it through the channel, and secures the payload, enabling the UAV to maintain flight or perform other tasks simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the manual mechanical action of a person securing the payload with an automated mechanical system. The payload retriever uses mechanical structures within the channel and engagement features on the payload holder to automatically attach the payload, substituting human manual operations with an autonomous mechanical process that consumes minimal additional energy
3Reliability
If the payload retriever is not properly aligned with the payload handle, then engagement fails, but complex alignment mechanisms increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The channel acts as an intermediary structure that guides the payload retriever from the UAV to the payload. The channel's curved portion and mechanical structures serve as a mediator that automatically orients and positions the payload retriever in the correct alignment with the payload handle, simplifying the engagement process without requiring complex active alignment mechanisms on the retriever itself
Solution Approach 2:
The channel includes a curved portion that utilizes geometric curvature to redirect and orient the payload retriever. This curved geometry passively guides the retriever into the correct angular orientation for engagement with the payload handle, using the shape of the channel itself rather than complex mechanical alignment devices
Data Source
AI summary
A payload retrieval apparatus is provided including a channel having a first end and a second end provided with a curved portion, wherein the channel has a tether slot therein and is configured to receive a payload retriever attached to a tether suspended from a UAV; and a payload holder positioned at the second end of the channel on the curved portion, wherein the payload holder is adapted to hold a payload having a handle with an opening therein, wherein the curved portion is configured to change an exit angle of the payload retriever such that a lip of the payload retriever is angled upwardly to ease entry of the lip into the opening of the handle of the payload.