Universal UAV Coupler for Interchangeable Tool Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Monitoring geographic areas is time-consuming and costly, as existing methods lack efficient and versatile solutions for data collection and task execution.
Innovation Solution
The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with a universal coupler and various tool systems, allowing for interchangeable and temporary coupling with different tool systems to perform multiple tasks, such as sensing, package transport, and chemical dispensing, through a centralized control system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional monitoring methods are used, then monitoring can be performed, but it is time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV performs monitoring tasks autonomously without continuous human intervention. The control system automatically controls the UAV to navigate to monitoring locations, capture images, and transmit data, enabling the system to serve itself in completing monitoring operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical monitoring systems with an unmanned aerial vehicle system that uses electronic control, sensors, and automated navigation. The control system substitutes manual operation with automated electronic control mechanisms
2Adaptability or versatility
If specialized UAVs are created for each task, then task performance is optimized, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV is designed as a universal platform capable of performing multiple different monitoring tasks. By equipping the single UAV with interchangeable tool systems and various sensors, it can adapt to different monitoring requirements without needing separate specialized vehicles for each task type
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system is divided into modular components: a base UAV platform, interchangeable tool systems, and various sensors. This segmentation allows flexible reconfiguration of the UAV for different tasks by swapping modules rather than designing entirely separate specialized systems
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, unmanned aerial task systems are provided that include a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) each comprising: a UAV control circuit; a motor; propulsion system; and a universal coupler configured to interchangeably couple with and decouple from one of multiple different tool systems each having different functions to be put into use while carried by a UAV, wherein a coupling system of the universal coupler is configured to secure a tool system with the UAV and enable a communication connection between a communication bus and the tool system, and wherein the multiple different tool systems comprise at least a package securing tool system configured to retain and enable transport of a package while being delivered, and a sensor tool system configured to sense a condition and communicate sensor data of the sensed condition to the UAV control circuit over the communication bus.