UAV Payload Coupling With Winch Locking for In-Flight Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems lack an efficient method for securely attaching and detaching payloads during transport and delivery, particularly in high-speed flight and without the need for landing, which complicates the process and increases the risk of payload re-engagement or damage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a payload coupling apparatus with cams and a winch system that securely attaches the payload to the UAV using a tether, allowing for orientation within the fuselage and automatic decoupling upon landing, utilizing a handle and conical locking pins for secure positioning during flight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a payload coupling apparatus is used to securely attach payloads during high-speed flight, then the reliability of payload transport is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple components including cams, locking pins, and restraint slots
Solution Approach 1:
The payload coupling apparatus is divided into distinct functional components: cams for orientation, conical locking pins for securing, and restraint slots for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, ensuring reliable payload transport while maintaining modularity that manages overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cams are pre-positioned on the payload coupling apparatus to automatically engage with corresponding features during the coupling process. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the payload is attached, the orientation and securing actions occur automatically through the designed mechanical interaction, improving reliability without requiring complex active control systems.
2Ease of operation
If automatic decoupling upon landing is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved by eliminating manual intervention, but the device complexity increases due to sensors and automated control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The payload coupling apparatus is designed to automatically decouple upon landing through self-service mechanisms. The mechanical design includes features that respond to landing conditions (such as changes in acceleration or position) to trigger automatic release, eliminating the need for manual intervention while avoiding complex electronic control systems through clever mechanical design.
3Reliability
If conical locking pins and restraint slots are used to secure the payload during high-speed flight, then the reliability of payload transport is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases due to precision requirements for these components
Solution Approach 1:
The conical locking pins utilize a conical geometry parameter that provides self-centering and self-aligning properties during engagement. This parameter change from cylindrical to conical shape ensures reliable securing during high-speed flight while simplifying the manufacturing process, as the conical form naturally guides the locking action and tolerates minor dimensional variations better than precision-machined flat surfaces would require.
Data Source
AI summary
An unmanned aerial vehicle system is provided including an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) having a fuselage, a tether having a first end secured to a winch system positioned in the UAV and a second end secured to a payload coupling apparatus, a payload coupling apparatus receptacle positioned in the fuselage of the UAV, a payload having a handle, wherein the handle of the payload is positioned within a slot in the payload coupling apparatus. A method of securing a payload to a UAV is also provided.