UAV Winch Control for Attaching Articles of Varying Sizes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for attaching articles to unmanned aerial vehicles, such as drones, do not effectively accommodate articles of varying sizes and do not utilize winches for attachment.

Innovation Solution

A control device and method that utilize a winch with an attachment member, linear member, and processor to control the unreeling and reeling of the linear member based on distance information, enabling precise attachment of articles of different sizes by controlling the winch to unreel the linear member to a predetermined distance and generating reaction forces as needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If an elevating device is used to raise delivery objects through an opening, then attachment efficiency is improved, but the system cannot accommodate articles of varying sizes effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment efficiencyVSAvoidaccommodation of varying article sizes

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the fixed elevating device with a dynamic winch system that can unreel and reel a linear member. This allows the attachment mechanism to adapt its length and positioning dynamically, accommodating articles of various sizes while maintaining efficient attachment through controlled unreeling based on distance information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The winch system changes the parameter of linear member length through controlled unreeling. By acquiring distance information and controlling the winch to unreel the linear member to a predetermined distance, the system adapts to different article sizes while maintaining efficient attachment operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If a fixed attachment mechanism is used, then the system structure is simple, but it cannot securely attach articles of different sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structureVSAvoidsecure attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a linear member as an intermediary element between the winch and the article. This linear member acts as a flexible connector that can adjust its length through winch control, providing secure attachment for articles of various sizes while adding minimal complexity to the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The winch system provides dynamic control over the linear member length, allowing the attachment mechanism to adapt to different article sizes. This dynamic adjustment capability ensures reliable attachment across varying conditions without requiring multiple fixed attachment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If the linear member is unreeled to a predetermined distance, then attachment precision is improved, but the control system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment precisionVSAvoidcontrol system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by acquiring distance information and using it to control the winch unreeling process. The system continuously monitors the distance between the unmanned aerial vehicle and the article, and adjusts the linear member unreeling accordingly to achieve precise attachment positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system automatically determines the unreeling length based on acquired distance information, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously calculating and executing the precise unreeling distance required for accurate article attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 efficient and accurate attachment of articles of varying sizes to unmanned aerial vehicles, ensuring secure and reliable attachment regardless of size differences.

Implementation Method 1

a winch (16) capable of unreeling and reeling the linear member (15)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 2

control the winch to generate a reaction force balanced with gravity acting on the linear member subjected to the unreeling and on the attachment member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 3

control the winch to generate a reaction force for reeling the linear member when the linear member is further unreeled by an external force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReaction Force: Reaction (physics)

Data Source

PatentUS12515796B2Control device, unmanned aerial vehicle, and control method

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 RAKUTEN GROUP INC

AI summary

A control device 133 acquires distance information indicating a distance between an UAV 1 and an article B positioned under the UAV 1 and controls a winch 16 to unreel a linear member 15 on the basis of the distance indicated in the acquired distance information.