UAV Apex Support Structure With Winch Delivery and Precision Landing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UAV systems face challenges such as inconsistent package delivery velocities, complex control requirements for landing on small or moving targets, and laborious battery charging processes, which affect efficiency and reliability.
Innovation Solution
The design of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with a chassis, power supply, control system, and rotors, featuring a support structure with arched struts for structural rigidity, a landing apparatus with adjustable feet for improved landing precision, and a winch mechanism for controlled package delivery, along with a modular battery system for efficient charging and replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a winch mechanism is used for package delivery, then delivery flexibility is improved, but line tangling may occur preventing mission completion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the winch mechanism from the main UAV body and mounts it on an extendable arm that can be positioned away from the chassis. This separation allows the winch line to be deployed clear of the UAV structure, eliminating tangling with the chassis or other components while maintaining delivery flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The UAV extends the arm carrying the winch mechanism to a predetermined position before deploying the package. This preliminary positioning ensures the winch line is already clear of potential obstructions and properly oriented for vertical package release, preventing tangling during the delivery operation.
2Measurement precision
If the UAV lands on a small moving target, then delivery precision is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a visual marker system that adds a detectable dimension for the UAV's navigation sensors. The marker provides high-contrast visual cues in the vertical and lateral dimensions, enabling the UAV to precisely locate and align with the small moving target without requiring complex control algorithms to process subtle position changes.
3Ease of operation
If the battery is removed for charging, then charging flexibility is improved, but power loss and reboot time occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply system into a main battery and auxiliary power sources, allowing the UAV to maintain operational power while one battery is removed for charging. The segmented architecture enables continuous operation without full power loss, eliminating the need for reboot and reducing charging downtime.
4Ease of operation
If a charge cord is attached for battery charging, then charging capability is improved, but material wear and failure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical charge cord connection system with a wireless charging system. The UAV lands on a charging pad that transfers power through electromagnetic induction, eliminating repeated mechanical plugging and unplugging of the charge cord. This substitution removes the source of material wear and connection failures while maintaining charging capability.
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
Enhances package delivery precision and efficiency by controlling descent velocity, simplifies landing on varied surfaces, and streamlines battery management, reducing operational complexity and material wear.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of rotors, each rotor mounted to a corresponding arm of the plurality of arms. Each rotor is in communication with the control system and operable to generate lift 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, a plurality of arms extending outward from the chassis, a plurality of rotors, and a support structure mounted atop the chassis. Each rotor is mounted to a corresponding arm of the plurality of arms, is in communication with the control system, and is operable to generate lift under control of the control system. The support structure includes a plurality of arched struts that connect to one another at an apex region of the support structure.