UAV Winch Reel Control for Fast, Low-Impact Package Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UAV systems face challenges such as constant velocity package delivery, complex landing procedures, and inefficient battery charging processes, which can lead to damage, extended delivery times, and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The development of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with a chassis, power supply, control system, and a winch mechanism featuring a reel with a circumferential channel and motor, allowing for controlled package delivery and improved landing and charging processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the UAV lowers the package at high velocity, then the delivery time is reduced, but the package may become damaged by impact with the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The winch system operates in periodic cycles: first unwinding the line at high velocity to rapidly lower the package, then rewinding the line at controlled velocity to retrieve the package. This periodic action allows the system to achieve fast delivery while maintaining control over the retrieval process to prevent damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the winch velocity based on the operational phase. During package delivery, the line is paid out at high velocity for rapid deployment. During retrieval, the velocity is controlled to prevent package damage. The control system modulates the winch motor speed in real-time to optimize both delivery speed and package safety.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the UAV uses a small landing pad mounted to a moving vehicle, then the adaptability is improved, but the landing control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The winch system acts as an intermediary between the UAV and the landing surface. Instead of requiring precise control to land on a small moving target, the UAV can land on a larger stationary or slowly moving surface, and the winch retrieves the UAV to the precise location on the moving vehicle. This intermediary mechanism decouples the landing precision requirement from the vehicle motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The landing process is segmented into two independent phases: (1) coarse positioning where the UAV lands on a larger target area with relaxed precision requirements, and (2) fine positioning where the winch system retrieves the UAV to the exact desired location on the moving vehicle. This segmentation separates the complex control requirements from the landing phase and places them in the retrieval phase.
3Ease of manufacture
If the battery requires removal or charge cord attachment for charging, then the charging process can be initiated, but the operational time is extended and material wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system operates autonomously without requiring operator intervention. The UAV automatically docks with the charging station, and the magnetic coupling system automatically establishes electrical contact and initiates charging. The system self-regulates the charging process, eliminating the need for manual battery removal or charge cord attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging function is merged with the docking/landing function. The same mechanical docking mechanism that positions the UAV for payload operations also establishes the electrical connection for charging. The magnetic coupling system combines mechanical attachment and electrical connection into a single integrated action, so that one operation accomplishes both positioning and power transfer.
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
The solution enables controlled and efficient package delivery, simplifies landing procedures by allowing for a larger landing target area, and streamlines battery charging through direct electrical connection, reducing operational complexities and enhancing overall UAV performance.
Implementation Method 1
at least one rotor operable to generate lift under control of the control system
Implementation Method 2
The reel includes a circumferential channel in which a wound portion of the line is wound onto the reel. The motor is operable to rotate the reel under control of the control system
Data Source
AI summary
An unmanned aerial vehicle according to certain embodiments generally includes a chassis, a power supply mounted to the chassis, a control system operable to receive power from the power supply, at least one rotor operable to generate lift under control of the control system, and a winch mounted to the chassis. The winch includes a reel and a motor. The reel has a line wound thereon, the line having a free end. The reel includes a circumferential channel in which a wound portion of the line is wound onto the reel. The circumferential channel includes an inner portion, an outer portion, and a passage connecting the inner portion and the outer portion. The motor is operable to rotate the reel under control of the control system to thereby cause the line to wind onto and off of the reel, thereby causing the free end of the line to raise and lower.