UAV Winch Payload Handling with Motor Current Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) lack efficient mechanisms for securely picking up and delivering payloads without the need for landing, and existing systems often require infrastructure, which limits flexibility and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A winch-based payload delivery system integrated with a UAV, utilizing a tether and payload coupling apparatus that allows for secure attachment and detachment of payloads during flight, enabling hovering pickup and delivery without landing, and automatically aligns payloads for minimal drag and efficient delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a UAV uses a traditional payload delivery system that requires landing, then the payload can be delivered, but the operation time is increased and the flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the payload delivery function from the traditional landing sequence, allowing the payload to be delivered while the UAV remains airborne. The payload coupling apparatus is lowered independently via a tether and winch system, enabling payload transfer without requiring the UAV to land, thus maintaining flight continuity and reducing operation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a tether and winch system as an intermediary mechanism between the UAV and the payload coupling apparatus. This intermediary system enables the payload to be delivered to a ground receiver while the UAV hovers or flies, eliminating the need for landing and thereby reducing operation time and increasing productivity.
2Reliability
If a UAV uses an infrastructure-based payload delivery system, then the delivery can be performed, but the cost increases and the flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service payload delivery system where the UAV carries its own payload coupling apparatus and tether mechanism. The system autonomously deploys and retrieves the payload coupling apparatus without requiring external infrastructure such as landing pads, cranes, or ground-based winches, thereby maintaining reliability while significantly increasing adaptability and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The payload coupling apparatus is designed as a universal system that can interface with various payload types and ground receivers. The tether and winch mechanism serves multiple functions including deploying the coupling apparatus, transferring the payload, and retrieving the apparatus for reuse, enabling the UAV to operate in diverse environments without specialized infrastructure.
3Reliability
If a UAV uses a complex payload delivery mechanism, then the payload can be securely handled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the payload delivery system into distinct functional modules: the payload coupling apparatus with latch mechanism for secure attachment, the tether for connection, and the winch system for deployment and retrieval. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability, and the modular structure actually reduces overall complexity compared to integrated systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables flexible and cost-effective payload pickup and delivery without infrastructure, ensuring reliable and efficient operation with reduced complexity and increased reliability due to a solid-state design.
Implementation Method 1
a drum to draw in or let out a line and a motor coupled to the drum to apply a torque thereto
Implementation Method 2
operating the motor in a first mode and a second mode respectively counters and assists unwinding of the tether due to gravity
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 1D
AI summary
Described herein are methods and systems for picking up, transporting, and lowering a payload coupled to a tether of a winch system arranged on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). For example, the winch system may include a motor for winding and unwinding the tether from a spool, and the UAV's control system may operate the motor to lower the tether toward the ground so a payload may be attached to the tether. The control system may monitor an electric current supplied to the motor to determine whether the payload has been attached to the tether. In another example, when lowering a payload, the control system may monitor the motor current to determine that the payload has reached the ground and responsively operate the motor to detach the payload from the tether. The control, system may then monitor the motor current to determine whether the payload has detached from the tether.