UAV Payload Retention Mechanism for Midair Delivery Sway
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing unmanned aerial vehicle systems that use a single linear member for payload delivery are prone to payload sway due to wind or unexpected loads, which can lead to the linear member severing or disconnecting from the payload during flight.
Innovation Solution
An unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with a winding machine, a fall prevention mechanism, and a connection detection unit that holds the payload even if it becomes disconnected from the linear member, preventing unintentional falling by immobilizing the payload against the vehicle body and using a control system to manage the delivery process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single linear member is used to hold the delivery target during flight, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of payload delivery deteriorates due to sway and potential severance
Solution Approach 1:
The payload support system is segmented into multiple independent linear members (first linear member and second linear member) instead of using a single linear member. This segmentation allows the payload to be supported by multiple attachment points, reducing the risk that failure of one member will cause payload loss, while distributing the mechanical loads more evenly during flight operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a fall prevention mechanism that is activated beforehand to catch the payload if a linear member fails. The control device monitors the flight state and payload position continuously, and when abnormal sway or potential severance is detected, the fall prevention mechanism is preemptively activated to prevent payload loss, cushioning against the worst-case scenario before it occurs.
2Loss of time
If the aerial vehicle stays in midair for delivery, then the loss of time is reduced compared to landing, but the payload may sway due to wind or vehicle movement causing harmful effects
Solution Approach 1:
The control device implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors the payload position and flight state, and adjusts the aerial vehicle's position and the linear member lengths in real-time to compensate for sway. The system receives feedback about payload deviation from the intended delivery position and actively corrects it by adjusting rotor speeds or linear member lengths, maintaining stable payload delivery during midair operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of the linear member lengths using winding machines that can rapidly pay out or retract the members. This dynamic capability allows the system to respond to changing flight conditions, wind gusts, or payload sway by adjusting the member lengths in real-time, dissipating sway energy and maintaining stable payload positioning during midair delivery operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is intended to provide an unmanned aerial vehicle capable of preventing unintentional falling of a delivery target. An unmanned aerial vehicle 1 according to an aspect of the present invention includes: an aerial vehicle body 2 capable of flying; a winding machine 3 provided to the aerial vehicle body 2 and capable of winding and unwinding a linear member 31 an end of which is connectable to a delivery target T; and a fall prevention mechanism 4 provided to the aerial vehicle body 2 and capable of holding the delivery target T disconnected from the linear member.