UAV Payload Autoloader With Internal Unlocking and Secure Pickup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UAV systems face delays and inefficiencies in payload retrieval due to the need for human intervention, leading to waiting times and energy expenditure, and lack adequate security for payloads during retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A payload retrieval apparatus with an autoloader assembly and locking feature that allows automated pickup by a UAV, featuring a channel for a tethered payload retriever and a locking mechanism that unlocks when engaged by the retriever, enabling secure and efficient payload removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a person manually secures the payload to the UAV at the retrieval site, then the payload can be securely attached, but the UAV and person must wait for each other's arrival, causing delays and energy waste
Solution Approach 1:
The payload retrieval apparatus is designed to automatically secure the payload to the UAV without requiring a person to manually attach it. The apparatus includes a payload holder with automatic locking features that engage when the payload is placed in the holder, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminate the need for human intervention in the securing process
Solution Approach 2:
The payload is pre-secured to the payload holder using a tether and locking mechanism before the UAV arrives at the retrieval site. This preliminary action ensures that when the UAV arrives, the payload is already ready for immediate pickup without requiring any waiting or manual securing operations
2Reliability
If the UAV hovers or waits on the ground for the designated person to arrive, then the payload can be secured, but the UAV consumes excessive energy and experiences delays
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus automatically secures the payload through its built-in locking mechanism and tether system, eliminating the need for the UAV to wait for human operators. This self-service capability allows the UAV to maintain its flight or proceed directly to the delivery site without energy-consuming hovering or waiting
Solution Approach 2:
The payload is pre-attached to the payload holder with the tether and locking mechanism engaged before the UAV arrives. This preliminary securing action ensures that the payload is ready for immediate retrieval, allowing the UAV to avoid energy-wasting waiting periods while maintaining secure attachment reliability
3Extent of automation
If the payload is left unsecured on the retrieval apparatus, then automated pickup is enabled, but the payload is vulnerable to theft or tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be automatically engaged when the payload is placed in the holder and to automatically unlock when the UAV's payload retriever contacts it. This self-service locking system provides security without requiring human intervention, enabling both automated pickup and protection against theft or tampering
Solution Approach 2:
The tether acts as an intermediary element that physically connects the payload to the payload holder and engages with the locking mechanism. This intermediary component enables automated securing while maintaining physical restraint against unauthorized removal or tampering
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the payload, then security against theft is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to operate automatically without requiring external control systems, sensors, or power sources. The lock engages when the payload is placed in the holder and unlocks when the retriever contacts it, providing security functionality through simple mechanical self-service that minimizes added complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The tether serves as a simple intermediary component that provides both the securing function and the triggering mechanism for unlocking. This single intermediary element accomplishes both security and automated release without requiring complex control systems, minimizing the increase in device complexity while providing effective theft prevention
Data Source
AI summary
A payload retrieval apparatus having a base, an autoloader assembly mounted to the base including: a payload holder configured to hold a payload for retrieval by a UAV, a channel coupled to the payload holder configured to direct a payload retriever suspended from the UAV to the payload holder, and a locking feature configured to lock access to the payload on the payload holder that includes has a movable end that extends through a wall of the channel into an interior of the channel, wherein when the payload retriever contacts the movable end of the locking member, the movable end moves outwardly thereby unlocking the payload on the payload holder, wherein the payload holder is positioned such that when the payload retriever exits the channel, the payload retriever engages a handle of the payload and removes the payload from the payload holder.