UAV Payload Receptacle and Tether Pickup Without Human Securement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) face delays and inefficiencies in payload retrieval due to the need for human intervention to secure payloads, leading to waiting times and energy expenditure when the UAV arrives late or the designated person is absent.

Innovation Solution

A UAV system equipped with guiding features and a payload coupling apparatus that allows automatic retrieval by hovering over or landing on a payload, using guiding members and a tether system to secure the payload within a receptacle, eliminating the need for human involvement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a person is designated to secure the payload to the UAV, then the payload can be securely attached, but the UAV experiences waiting time and energy expenditure when the person is delayed or absent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepayload securementVSAvoidUAV waiting time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The UAV is equipped with an automated payload securement system that allows it to independently attach payloads without human intervention. The system includes a payload receptacle with coupling apparatus that automatically engages with the payload, enabling the UAV to service itself during payload retrieval operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical action of a person securing a payload is replaced by an automated mechanical coupling system on the UAV. The payload coupling apparatus uses mechanical engagement features such as hooks, latches, or clamps that automatically secure the payload to the UAV's receptacle, eliminating the need for human hands-on operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the UAV hovers or lands to retrieve a payload, then the payload can be accessed, but energy is consumed during the waiting period

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepayload retrievalVSAvoidUAV energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The UAV performs preliminary actions by positioning itself over the payload location using autonomous navigation before attempting securement. The system预先 programs the retrieval location and approaches the payload automatically, reducing the need for prolonged hovering or waiting periods and thereby minimizing energy consumption during the retrieval operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If automated payload pickup is implemented, then human intervention is eliminated and delays are reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepayload retrieval efficiencyVSAvoidUAV system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The payload coupling apparatus is designed with universal engagement features that can accommodate different payload types and configurations. The receptacle system incorporates multi-functional elements such as adjustable clamps, universal hooks, or adaptive latches that can secure various payload forms, reducing the need for multiple specialized attachment mechanisms and thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3728029B1System and methods for automatic payload pickup by UAV

Publication Date: 2024.11.06 WING AVIATION LLC

Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 1D

AI summary

A payload retrieval system including a UAV having a payload receptacle (550) positioned within the UAV, a payload coupling apparatus (400) positioned within the payload receptacle (550), a tether (404) having a first end secured within the UAV and a second end attached to the payload coupling apparatus (400), and a payload guiding member positioned on an underside of the UAV for guiding at least part of a payload into the payload receptacle (550) during retrieval of a payload.