Window Unit with Net and Sensors for UAV Package Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing delivery structures for aerial vehicles are costly, complex, and unsuitable for smaller locations like homes and urban areas, and they struggle with delivering packages to high-rise buildings due to their large footprint and difficulty in navigating dense urban environments.
Innovation Solution
A window unit with a frame and net that can be deployed from a building, equipped with sensors and a release mechanism, allowing for package alignment confirmation before release from an aerial vehicle, and enabling delivery at higher vertical locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If existing delivery structures are used for aerial vehicle package delivery, then delivery capability is provided, but the structures are costly, complex, and have large permanent footprint
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system is segmented into a permanent mounting structure and a removable window unit. The window unit can be detached and stored when not in use, eliminating the need for a permanent large-footprint delivery structure while maintaining delivery capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The window unit transitions between a stored position (retracted into the building) and a deployed position (extended outward). This dynamic deployment allows the system to have a small permanent footprint while providing full delivery functionality when required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If delivery structures are designed for ground locations, then delivery is possible, but delivery to high-rise buildings and urban areas is difficult or not desired
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from ground-level delivery to vertical/window-level delivery by extending the window unit outward from the building. This allows packages to be delivered to high-rise buildings and urban locations by utilizing the vertical dimension and window access points.
3Productivity
If package release is automated without alignment confirmation, then delivery speed increases, but package safety and accurate delivery decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor performs alignment detection before the package is released. This preliminary action ensures the package is properly positioned in the net before release, maintaining delivery accuracy while allowing automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor provides feedback about package alignment to the release mechanism. This feedback loop ensures that the package is correctly positioned before release, improving delivery reliability while maintaining automated operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A window unit for receiving a package from an aerial vehicle to a window of a building. The window unit includes a frame and a net. The frame is coupled to a building wall and a window ledge. The net is coupled within the frame. The net receives delivery of the package. The window unit includes sensors and communication devices to confirm alignment of the package and effectuate delivery of the package. The window unit includes a release device for releasing the frame or net if there is a snag with the package or aerial vehicle. A method of delivering a package to the window unit includes confirming the package is aligned with the net prior to release of the package from the aerial vehicle.