UAV Payload Autoloader with Tether Guidance for Fast Retrieval

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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 undesirable waiting times and energy expenditure, especially when the designated person is late or absent.

Innovation Solution

A payload retrieval apparatus with an extending member and autoloader assembly that allows for automated pickup of payloads by UAVs, featuring a payload holder, channel, and tether engager to facilitate secure attachment and detachment of payloads without human intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automated payload pickup is implemented, then productivity and loss of time are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepayload retrieval efficiencyVSAvoidapparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The autoloader assembly is nested within the extending member structure, with the payload holder positioned inside the extending member's operational envelope. The tether engager is integrated into the autoloader assembly, creating a compact nested configuration that automates payload retrieval without requiring separate complex systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The autoloader assembly automatically performs payload retrieval operations without human intervention. The extending member autonomously extends and retracts to position the payload holder, and the tether engager automatically engages and disengages the tether, enabling the system to service itself during payload exchange.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of time

If automated payload pickup is implemented, then loss of time is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaiting time for payload retrievalVSAvoidmanual payload securing

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical operation of securing payloads is replaced with an automated mechanical system. The extending member with autoloader assembly uses mechanical automation to perform payload retrieval, substituting human manual operations with machine-driven processes that are faster and more consistent.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If UAV waits in hover mode for designated person, then reliability of payload retrieval is maintained, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepayload retrieval assuranceVSAvoidUAV energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The extending member with autoloader assembly is pre-positioned and ready to automatically retrieve payloads upon UAV arrival. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for the UAV to wait in hover mode for human operators, as the automated system can immediately commence payload retrieval operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12515797B2Payload retrieval apparatus with extending member for use with a uav

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 WING AVIATION LLC

AI summary

A payload retrieval apparatus having a base, an extending member secured to the base, the extending member including a lower section that is attached to the base and an upper section coupled to the lower section and movable between a first lowered position and a second raised position, an autoloader assembly mounted to the upper section of the extending member, the autoloader assembly including a payload holder configured to hold a payload for retrieval by an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV), a channel coupled to the payload holder and configured to direct a payload coupling apparatus to the payload holder, and a first tether engager that extends away from the channel in a first direction, wherein the first tether engager is adapted to guide a tether having a first end attached to the UAV and a second end attached to the payload coupling apparatus towards the payload holder.