UAV Winch Payload Handling Using Motor Current Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) lack efficient systems for picking up and delivering payloads without the need for landing, and existing solutions often require infrastructure and have complexity due to moving parts in payload coupling mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A winch-based system integrated into UAVs, utilizing a tether and payload coupling apparatus with a motor that unwinds and retracts the tether to lower and retrieve payloads, with a control system that monitors motor current and length to determine payload attachment and detachment, allowing for autonomous operation and secure payload handling without landing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a winch-based system with motor is used to raise and lower payloads, then payload handling capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical payload coupling mechanisms with a simplified winch-based system that uses a tether and motor. The motor winds and unwinds the tether to raise and lower payloads, eliminating the need for complex mechanical coupling devices with moving parts. This substitution maintains payload handling capability while reducing device complexity.
2Productivity
If existing payload delivery systems are used, then payloads can be delivered, but infrastructure requirements increase and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The winch-based system is entirely self-contained on the UAV, with the motor and tether forming an integrated payload handling system. The system does not require external infrastructure such as ground-based winches or specialized delivery facilities. The UAV independently raises and lowers payloads using its own motor, improving reliability by eliminating dependency on external infrastructure.
3Ease of operation
If the motor operates to unwind the tether, then payload can be lowered, but control precision is challenged by gravity-induced unwinding
Solution Approach 1:
The control system monitors motor current during operation to detect when the payload has been successfully lowered and detached. The system analyzes changes in motor current as feedback signals indicating payload status, enabling precise control despite the continuous gravitational force acting on the tether during unwinding and lowering operations.
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 the UAV to pick up and deliver payloads autonomously without landing, reducing infrastructure requirements and increasing reliability through a solid-state design with no moving parts, enhancing mission flexibility and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a motor arranged in a UAV, where operating the motor in a first mode and a second mode respectively counters and assists unwinding of the tether due to gravity
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
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.