WO2022175285A1 - Plate-forme de réception / collecte de colis - Google Patents

Plate-forme de réception / collecte de colis Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022175285A1
WO2022175285A1 PCT/EP2022/053708 EP2022053708W WO2022175285A1 WO 2022175285 A1 WO2022175285 A1 WO 2022175285A1 EP 2022053708 W EP2022053708 W EP 2022053708W WO 2022175285 A1 WO2022175285 A1 WO 2022175285A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
tape
tapes
boom
panel
telescopic boom
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2022/053708
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Dennis Majoe
Original Assignee
Dennis Majoe
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GBGB2102156.3A external-priority patent/GB202102156D0/en
Application filed by Dennis Majoe filed Critical Dennis Majoe
Priority to GB2312441.5A priority Critical patent/GB2618712A/en
Publication of WO2022175285A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022175285A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G29/00—Supports, holders, or containers for household use, not provided for in groups A47G1/00-A47G27/00 or A47G33/00 
    • A47G29/14—Deposit receptacles for food, e.g. breakfast, milk, or large parcels; Similar receptacles for food or large parcels with appliances for preventing unauthorised removal of the deposited articles, i.e. food or large parcels

Definitions

  • This invention relates to receiving or collection platforms for items that are to be dropped off or collected by an airborne vehicle, especially a drone.
  • the receiving or collection zone for the item is to be presented at a distance from the main receiving structure and away from ground level for convenience or safety.
  • An example of this is the delivery or collection of parcels to or from a building, where the receiving or collection zone for the item should be a distance away from the building’s walls or roof.
  • the invention also addresses the requirement that the item delivered or collected needs to be brought into or taken out of the building, such as for example through a window or other opening.
  • the rotating propellers would not be safe for people and animals.
  • the down draft of air flow from the drone can create a storm of loose debris.
  • the drone may lower the parcel down using a winch or abseil and release it, but the tether might get caught or a pet might jump on the parcel.
  • the invention provides a telescopic boom for receiving deliveries to a building and/or for collection of parcels from a building by drone, comprising one or more tape delivery systems each comprising a tape and capable of extending the tape so as to extend a front boom member outwardly from the building, at least one front boom member, e.g.
  • a panel or collection tray or similar attached to the end of the tape(s), at least one intermediate member, also referred to as a tape holder layer panel, wherein the tape passes through an aperture therein, a clamp on each intermediate member moveable between a first position in which the member moves freely on the tape and a second position in which the member is clamped to the tape, wherein in use the front boom member is extended by operating the tape delivery systems and in an extended position the intermediate member is clamped to the tape(s).
  • the boom can be extended using a plurality of intermediate members to provide a strong and stable and retractable platform.
  • the invention also provides a telescopic boom comprising one or more tape delivery systems, wherein each such system comprises an inner reel and an outer cylinder, the tape is wound around an outer face of the inner reel, the outer cylinder surrounds the inner reel and forms with it an annular compartment that is small in height with respect to the tape diameter, thereby limiting outwards movement or blooming of the tape during turning of the inner reel.
  • the invention provides a telescopic boom comprising at least two thin flat flexible sprung plastic and or metallic tapes, the ends of which are terminated accurately being secured firmly by, and perpendicular to, at least one front panel, the at least two thin flat tapes passing through at least two apertures in at least one tape holder layer panel, the at least one front panel being connected to the at least one tape holder layer by at least one cable secured to the front panel and to the taper holder layer panel, such that as the tapes are pushed outwards the at least one front panel pulls the at least one tape holder layer panel as a result of the at least one cable, and the at least one tape holder panel having at least one pivoting lever paddle arranged such that movement of the at least one tape holder panel relative to at least one relatively stationary external structure causes the at least one lever paddle to move and thereby clamp the at least two tapes firmly within the at least one tape holder layer panel, the tapes being held parallel with high friction at the edges of the apertures and perpendicular to the plane
  • the telescopic boom suitably comprises at least two tape holder layer panels, referred to as the first and the second, where the first is connected to the at least one front panel, whereby the at least two tape holder layer panels are connected by at least one cable, such that the at least one front panel pulls with it the first tape holder layer panel, which then once the cable is taught, pulls the second tape holder layer panel.
  • a plurality of tape holder layer panels may be arranged with interstitial cables.
  • the length of the cable between the panels is approximately 7 to 15 times the thickness of the tape holder layer panel, which in embodiments are usually at least 5mm think, preferably about 10mm thick.
  • all tape holder layer panels include at least one clamp, moveable between a first position that clamps or locks the panel to the tape and a second position in which the panels run or more freely on the tape, meaning the panels can easily move relative to the tape.
  • a pivoting lever paddle may be arranged to create a clamping action when each of the tape holder layer panels passes past at least one external structure, the pivoting lever paddle coming into contact with the structure, such that the tapes are held parallel with high friction at the edges of the apertures and perpendicular to the planes of all tape holder layer panels, and the plane of the at least one front panel.
  • extending the boom triggers the panels to clamp to the tape one-by-one.
  • the at least two tapes are stored on at least two reels that are part of at least one motorised tape delivery system, where the at least one motorised tape delivery system can push out, to unreel, the at least two tapes.
  • This unreeling can extend the respective tapes at the same time and same speed.
  • the unreeling (and also the retracting) of the tapes is substantially simultaneous with exactly the same amount of tape being pushed out for both the at least two tapes, and wherein the at least one motorised tape delivery system can pull in, to reel in, the at least two tapes substantially simultaneously with exactly the same amount of tape being reeled in for both the at least two tapes. Stopping the motorised system can then lock the tapes, e.g. result in the full blocking of movement of the tapes, wherein in all these cases no slippage occurs of the at least two tapes and the length of tapes extended always maintained equally extended.
  • the boom may be extended vertically, horizontally or at any angle. Typically, the boom is adapted for deployment substantially horizontally.
  • the plurality of tape holder layer panels may be made up of partial panels each incorporating a clamp, such as the described pivoting lever paddle for clamping.
  • a plurality of motorised tape delivery systems may be combined, able to drive multiple tapes in step and timing with each other.
  • the boom once extended may comprise a plurality of tape holder layer panels each separated and clamped onto the tapes.
  • the boom may further comprise at least one connecting point to which can be attached at least one cable or at least one tape or at least one elastic tape or other load-bearing tether, which is pulled at an angle relative to the boom extension axis, creating a force in compression on the boom and a force perpendicular to the boom extension axis.
  • a tether is attached to the building higher than the boom, i.e. above it, and at or near to the boom end. This provides further support for the boom in its extended position.
  • This tether e.g. the at least one cable or at least one tape or at least one elastic tape
  • This tether is suitably attached to or part of at least one motorised winding mechanism secured pivoting on at least one vertical member, which can deliver varying amounts of tension force and which can also brake the cable, tape or elastic tape form extension or retraction.
  • the connecting point can be pivoted to account for different angled windows or surrounding structure.
  • the motorised tape delivery system may include an inner reel onto which the tape is wrapped on its outer face, preferably with the convex face of the tape against the outer face of the inner reel, the end of the tape riveted securely on the inner face, and an outer cylinder whose inner face is in contact with the tape and where the inner reel is connected to the outer cylinder by way of an axle, where the size of the gap between the inner face of the cylinder and the outer face of the inner reel is small so as to limit blooming of the tape in operation.
  • the gap is less than 15 times, or less than 10 times the thickness of the tape, more preferably less than 8 times the thickness of the tape.
  • the diameter of the inner reel outer face may be of the order of one hundred times or more, or two hundred times or more the size of the gap, where in general but not in all circumstances the inner reel is motorised to turn driving the tape in or out of the gap, and when the motor is stopped to stop the tape from moving.
  • these preferably operate such that an equal amount of tape is extended across all tapes simultaneously. They can suitably be kept in step and timing by way of timing belts, gears or motors with feedback to ensure equal amount of tape is extended across all simultaneously.
  • At least one tape or at least one cable can be used to form a track or guide between the at least one front panel and the at least one tape holder layer panel furthest from the at least one front panel, and at least one basket that can be pulled using at least a pulley and thread mechanism along the track such that a parcel can travel inside the basket along the length of the boom.
  • the basket can then be attached to the at least one front panel and travels with the boom as it is extended or retracted.
  • a telescopic boom control system which has an internet connection for “Internet Of Things” interoperability, with a processor and sensor and actuator drive circuits, to sense the state of the telescopic boom of the invention, and to perform the actions of extending and retracting the boom or extending and retracting the basket.
  • the telescopic boom control system may operate with a drone pass code and a security checking method, which ensures the security of any collection or delivery.
  • a telescopic boom for receiving deliveries to a building and/or for collection of parcels from a building by flying drone.
  • the boom is suitable to be deployed above ground, typically at least 1 m above ground level, suitably at first floor level or higher.
  • the boom is extended using one or more tape delivery systems.
  • Each such system comprises an inner reel wherein the tape is attached to the inner reel and wound around it.
  • the system also comprises an outer cylinder which surrounds the reel and forms an annular compartment (limiting outwards movement or blooming of the tape).
  • a telescopic boom of embodiment of the invention hence comprises one or more tape delivery systems, wherein each such system comprises an inner reel and an outer cylinder, the tape is wound around an outer face of the inner reel, the outer cylinder surrounds the inner reel and forms with it an annular compartment that is small in height with respect to the tape diameter, thereby limiting outwards movement or blooming of the tape during turning of the inner reel.
  • a motor turns the inner reels of the tape delivery systems and thereby extends and retracts the boom.
  • the boom may comprise means to turn the inner reels at the same time and speed so as to extend the tape from each substantially simultaneously and to the same extent.
  • the inner reels may be attached to a common drive shaft so as to turn in unison.
  • Movement outwards of the tape is limited by the gap between the inner reel and the cylinder.
  • the size of the gap between the inner face of the cylinder and the outer face of the inner reel is small, to avoid or reduce blooming; the gap may be approximately 15 times or less, or preferably 10 times or less, or 8 times or less the thickness of the tape.
  • the diameter of the inner reel outer face can be of the order of one hundred times or more or two hundred times or more the size of the gap.
  • Tape exits the system via a slot slightly larger than the tape.
  • the inner reel is motorised to turn, thereby driving the tape in or out of the exit slot in system housing.
  • the tape is usually wound with the convex face of the tape against the outer face of the inner reel, the end of the tape preferably attached e.g. riveted securely on the inner face or to a pivoting flap in the inner face.
  • the inner face of the outer cylinder is in contact with the tape. This also reduce blooming.
  • the inner reel may be connected to the outer cylinder by way of an axle.
  • the telescopic boom may comprise two or more tape delivery systems and two or more tapes, at least one front boom member attached to the ends of the two tapes, at least one intermediate member wherein the two tapes pass through apertures therein, a clamp on each intermediate member moveable between a first position in which the intermediate member moves freely on the tape and a second position in which the member is clamped to the tape, wherein in use the front boom member is extended by operating the tape delivery systems and in an extended position the intermediate member is spaced from the front member and clamped to the tapes.
  • the front boom member may be or comprise e.g. a panel or collection tray or similar, as described elsewhere herein in more detail.
  • the intermediate member(s) may be a tape holder layer panel, as described elsewhere herein in more detail.
  • the reels are turned and the tapes extend outwardly, pushing out the front boom member.
  • the tapes pass through the intermediate member.
  • the intermediate member also moves outwardly though spaced from the front boom member and is then clamped onto the tapes.
  • the resulting structure comprises the front boom member attached to tapes that extend from and are clamped to the intermediate member which is spaced apart from the front boom member and closer to the building. This has increased strength, i.e. resistance to bending as a result of its own weight plus the weight of anything added to the boom end, e.g. a parcel once delivered or to be collected.
  • a preferred telescopic boom comprises a plurality of intermediate members, a clamp on each intermediate member moveable between a first position in which the member moves freely on the tape and a second position in which the member is clamped to the tape, wherein in use the front boom member is extended by operating the tape delivery systems and in an extended position the intermediate members are spaced apart from the front boom member and from each other and are clamped to the tapes.
  • a telescopic boom for receiving deliveries to a building and/or for collection of parcels from a building by drone, comprising one or more tape delivery systems each comprising a tape and capable of extending the tape so as to extend a front boom member outwardly from the building, at least one front boom member, e.g.
  • the resulting structure comprises the front boom member attached to one or more tapes that extend from and are clamped to the intermediate member which is spaced apart from the front boom member and closer to the building. This has increased strength, i.e. resistance to bending as a result of its own weight plus the weight of anything added to the boom end, e.g. a parcel once delivered or to be collected.
  • This telescopic boom also preferably comprises: a plurality of intermediate members, a clamp on each intermediate member moveable between a first position in which the member moves freely on the tape and a second position in which the member is clamped to the tape, wherein in use the front boom member is extended by operating the tape delivery systems and in an extended position the intermediate members are spaced apart and clamped to the tapes.
  • Suitable tape can be commercially sourced and examples of it are used for tape measures; the material can be plastic and is commonly metal or an alloy.
  • the material suitably comprise steel or a steel alloy (e.g. comprising nickel).
  • steel ribbon is especially suitable.
  • the tape is thin and concave/convex tape and sufficiently rigid to be able to bear its own weight without bending / collapsing when extended horizontally, say, up to 50 cm, preferably up to 1 m for stronger and more rigid tapes.
  • a mechanism is suitable to be and intended to be deployed from a first or higher storey window providing a level of safety at a significant height above people, animals, property and vehicles.
  • An apparatus of the invention that receives an incoming parcel may be a mechanical structure with various holes and spaces which allows air flow to pass through thereby reducing any back pressure from the aerial drone’s downward air flow.
  • the invention may include a telescopic boom.
  • the site onto which the parcel is to be received or from where it is to be collected is suitably a parcel receptacle, e.g. a type of basket, that is extended outwards from the building (optionally from a window) either as part of the end of the telescopic boom or by using the boom as a protruding support on which the parcel site basket is conveyed outwards or backwards.
  • a parcel receptacle e.g. a type of basket, that is extended outwards from the building (optionally from a window) either as part of the end of the telescopic boom or by using the boom as a protruding support on which the parcel site basket is conveyed outwards or backwards.
  • the parcel site basket moves to the end on or with the telescopic boom and once the parcel is dropped onto it, it is brought back to and through the window for secure drop off inside the building.
  • a parcel can be placed outside for collection by drone.
  • the device can be used very effectively if one has a balcony, such as in multistorey apartments. For two storey residences an upstairs bedroom window can be used. This approach is easier and faster to implement than a roof top installation.
  • the telescopic boom component uses flexible steel tape similar to the type found in flexible steel tape length measuring devices.
  • the invention will be described using the concept of the measuring tape although the embodiments may not really use measuring tapes but similar materials and arrangements. Plastic tapes ora laminate of steel and plastic may also be used.
  • the metal tape has a spring coil to rewind, and is pulled in and out manually, in this invention the tape extension and retraction is carried out by way of electric motors.
  • their movement is synchronised, preferably by having all tape coils on or attached to a single coil drive shaft; this way they turn in harmony at the same time and rate, so all tapes are extended or retracted together.
  • the sixth aspect is the way in which the system is controlled to ensure parcel security.
  • Spring rollers of this type add to friction and must be placed 360 degrees around the tape winding which is never possible completely and if only 330 degrees for example are constrained the blooming can start on the remaining uncontained zone.
  • the tape is traditionally wound with the concave face towards the centre of the reel, by winding the tape on with the concave face facing away from the centre, the tape behaves acts to oppose winding onto the reel whereas the opposite case, the tape accepts to be wound much more easily.
  • each winding may be only 0.15mm in thickness then 5 or 6 windings can be stored within a gap 1 mm to 1 2mm wide.
  • the end of the tape may be riveted to the inner cylinder wall or may be riveted to a part of the wall which can pivot outwards such that the riveted tape can move to fully lie adjacent to the second winding of tape.
  • An outer secondary cylinder may then be placed around the windings and reel such that it acts to keep the windings compact.
  • the central reel is motorised and in our implementation we even include a planetary gear set withing the reel before attaching to the motor.
  • the reel is rotated from the full winding to the partial wound state. Initially the tape drives out directly with 99.99% of the tangential rotational force acting to push out the tape. As a few turns are delivered the 1mm to 1.2mm gap keeps the tape in a wound position.
  • the opposite face winding acts to create a frictional binding between the slightly blossoming tapes, such that in fact they are not blossoming because they always touch and act in friction.
  • the gap is 1mm to 1.2mm compared to a reel diameter of say 150mm typically less than one percent of the tangential force generates any potential blooming.
  • our invention incorporates a tape pushing and pulling system comprising at least one inner reel onto which the tape is secured concave face facing away from the centre, at least one motor and or gear set arranged to drive the axle and cause the rotation of the at least one inner reel, either clockwise or counter clockwise, the inner reel being of diameter D, where the aim is to wind only a few windings say N of tape onto the reel, to achieve an approximate extension of 3.141*N*D, at least one outer cylinder which surrounds the tape winding constraining the winding within a gap between the inner wall of the at least one outer cylinder and the at least one inner reel, such that the gap distance is in the order of N*T and where N*T is of the order of D/100 and T is the thickness of the tape.
  • the at least one outer cylinder may include at least one wall passing over at least one side of the tape windings so as to constrain the tape movement axially.
  • the at least one inner reel may include at least one wall passing over the edge of the at least one outer cylinder side face.
  • the at least one outer cylinder may be attached to the at least one inner reel by way of a bearing, for example at least one lazy Susan bearing.
  • the at least one inner reel may include on its axis at least one gear set such as a planetary gear set, driven by at least one motor.
  • Fig.s 1a to 1e show schematic views of components of a motorised tape delivery system of the invention
  • Fig. 2a shows a schematic view of a tape holder layer of the system
  • Fig. 2b shows an angled, partial schematic view of the system
  • Fig. 2 c shows a schematic view from above of an extended boom of the system
  • Fig.s 3a, b and c shows schematic views of a clamp, partially cut away in 3c, in different positions to illustrate the way the clamping is implemented;
  • Fig.s 4a, b and c shows schematic views of alternative systems for supporting the boom of fig. 2c;
  • Fig. 5a shows a schematic view of a generic window opening in a wall
  • Fig. 5b shows a schematic view of a generic roof window opening
  • Fig. 6a shows a schematic partial view of a cross sectional view of one part of the invention clamped to a windowsill;
  • Fig. 6b corresponds to fig. 6a showing more of the system and the boom extended;
  • Fig. 7a and 7b shows schematic views of an extensible rail track on a boom of the invention;
  • Fig.s 8a and 8b shows a schematic view of a basket on the track of fig. 7a;
  • Fig. 9 shows a schematic view of the basket delivering to a building interior
  • Fig.s 10a and 10b shows a schematic view of delivery of a parcel to the interior of a building
  • Fig. 11 is a schematic view of the control system for the invention.
  • Fig. 12 shows a schematic view isometrically of an alternative apparatus of the invention
  • Figs. 13 and 14 shows front and side view of the apparatus of fig 12;
  • Fig. 15 shows detail of fig. 12
  • Figs. 16-18 shows detail of the apparatus of fig. 12 in different positions.
  • Example 1 Boom Extension. Panel Clamping and Boom Control
  • Figure 1a shows the outer secondary cylinder 1, the inner reel 2, the exit aperture for the tape 3 and the gear and motor interface 4.
  • Figure 1 b shows just the secondary outer cylinder 1 , the lazy Susan 5 and the inner wall of the cylinder.
  • Figure 1 c shows just the side view of the inner reel, with wall 7 onto which is wound the tape, aperture 8 through which the tape is pushed so that it’s end can be secured behind the wall, and 9 shows the wall used to cover the gap when the secondary outer cylinder is placed on top of the reel.
  • Figure 1d shows the other half of the lazy Susan 10.
  • the tape is wrapped onto the reel with concave face pointing away from the centre.
  • the end of the tape is secured on the inner wall.
  • the tape is pushed into the secondary outer cylinder where the gap is approximately 1 m between the reel’s outer wall and the cylinder’s inner wall.
  • the end of the tape is riveted to the inner cylinder wall 2 or may be riveted to a part of the wall which can pivot outwards such that the riveted tape can move to fully lie adjacent to the second winding of tape.
  • Figure 1 e shows a pivoting flap 2a part of the inner wall 2, the part 2a pivoting about pivot point 2c.
  • the tape can be riveted to the end 2d of the pivoting flap 2a.
  • Our invention requires that a brake of some type acts on the tapes to ensure one cannot push or pull the tapes.
  • braking can be provided by applying braking to the inner reel. This is the result of the fact that when the tape is wound onto the inner reel with concave face looking away from the reel centre, and the tapes are constrained in the small gap, then frictional forces occur between the tape windings which cause the winding to act more like a solid wheel bound to the inner reel and therefore applying braking to the inner reel is equivalent to braking the tapes in total. Since the gap is small compared to the inner reel diameter any action to cause blooming is negligible.
  • tape push and pull braking is performed by at least one brake acting on the at least one inner reel, causing the reel to stop rotating and thereby result in negligible movement of the tape.
  • the invention has as an aim to extend a boom a significant distance away from a building for example, and accept a parcel at its end, while at the same time being able retract and take up least space.
  • Telescopic booms often rely on several components sliding against each other moving in and out retracting or extending.
  • most solutions have a telescopic capability of around 3, that is, that their total extended length is at most 2.5 times the retracted length.
  • our invention allows a telescopic capability of around 10 to 15.
  • the use of tapes allows us to store the material that will be telescopically extended into the reel at great compaction.
  • the tapes by themselves when they extend out of the reel have some limited stiffness, but will collapse under their own weight within a meter.
  • two or more tapes can form a very stiff yet lightweight structure.
  • the invention therefore includes at least one tape holder layer whose first purpose is to collocate tapes in a structural form. Later we will describe how clamps can further strengthen and stiffen the form.
  • Figure 2a shows an at least one tape holder layer 11.
  • the tape holder layer includes at least two apertures, such as 12, through which the tape is able to travel. Since the tape holder layer has some thickness, for example one third the width of the tape, and since the aperture closely matches the width of the tape, then even though the tape holder layer can allow tapes to slide through the aperture, the tape holder layer collimates the tapes and tapes tend to move as one structure bound by the tape holder layer.
  • Multiple tape holder layers may be spaced along the length of several tapes as shown in figure 2b.
  • 13 is a motorised tape unit that is pushing out the four tapes.
  • the tape holder layer 15 is adhesively bonded to the four tapes such that it cannot slip on the tapes.
  • each tape holder layer is connected with a cable thread or ribbon 16.
  • the assembly in figure 2b is strong along its length in compression and tension and is strong in flection at right angles to the length but is weak in rotation around its long axis. To make it stronger in rotation and the other axes, one can add extra tapes creating a larger second moment of area.
  • one option to make the tapes firmly bound to the panel is simply to create compaction forces on the faces of the tapes, for example by distorting the aperture shape.
  • Our invention achieves these requirements in an embodiment by causing a piston to apply pressure perpendicularly to the centre of the convex face of the tape held within an C shaped aperture, and where the tape edges touch the ends of the C. Since the tape cannot move away, then the curved tape distorts slightly whereby the central part of the tape changes from curved to less curved or flat, taking up the travel of the piston, and the outer edges of the tape widen out. As a result of this the outer edges of the tape are driven hard against the long inner edge of the panel C shaped aperture cut out.
  • the action of driving the edge against the inner edge of the panel cut out is to first create a great deal of friction (applied high pressure over a very small area). Secondly the action of pressing the tape edges against the inner edges of the aperture, which are perpendicular to the face of the panel, results in the creation of a forming force that ensures the tapes move perpendicular to the panels, just prior to the full clamping friction force being applied.
  • the piston is driven by a lever that pivots on the side of the panel, with the long arm of the lever jutting out from the side of the panel.
  • the end of the lever which surrounds the pivot is shaped such that when rotated say -45 degrees the end does not push on the piston, but as it rotates to 0 degrees the end has a bulge that pushes very strongly on the piston, and then gradually as the end rotates through to +45 degrees the pressure on the piston is around 80% of the maximum force.
  • the panels When the panels are pulled out by the connecting ribbons threads or cables, they need to start off loose in the undamped state.
  • the panels can be clamped one-by one as the platform is extended outwards. For example, as the panels pass a certain point a vertical post can be placed to cause the levers to be rotated as the panels move outwards extending the boom. As the levers flip to the clamped state the panels are locked in the correct position at exactly one ribbon length away from the panel in front.
  • the invention is therefore effective in achieving firm panel to tape structure and binding and this allows for easy integration within the needs of the overall system with such simplicity.
  • the invention includes a means to create a firm mechanical structure of multiple tapes bound between at least two panels, whereby the tapes are first forced to a perpendicular position relative to the panels and then bound by high frictional forces, where at least one edge of the tape is driven against at least one edge of the inside of the at least one panel and where at least one edge of the tape is driven against at least one edge of the inside of the at least other at least one panel, where the frictional forces are created at the edges of the tapes acting against the edge of the inner edge of the panels, where the force is created by at least one piston acting at the centre of the convex curve face of the at least one tape, where the at least one tape distorts as it cannot move away from the piston and its edges contact with high pressure the panel inner edge.
  • the at least one piston is driven by at least one lever pivoting on an axle, where the pivoting end of the lever is shaped to either not push on the at least one piston when at one angle, and then to push hardest when rotated to a more central position and then less hard after being rotated passed that position, creating at least one stable state of not pushing and then one alternate stable state of pushing, since the at least one lever will move to a lower potential energy position.
  • the rotation of the lever is actioned when the lever of at least one panel starts in the not pushing state and as the panel is pushed outwards extending the boom, the at least one lever is pushed due to contact with at least one post member, flipping to the piston pushing state, and where when the panel is pulled back when retracting the boom, the lever contacts to at least one back wall, or at least one back wall stud, or at least one other panel lever belonging to at least one panel that has been retracted in a previous step.
  • FIG 3a, b and c show the way the clamping is implemented.
  • the partial panel 21 is a plastic part which is part of a larger panel layer. Several partial panels 21 can be combined using carbon fibre rods, to make a lightweight panel.
  • the partial panel accepts two tapes 27 and 28, through apertures 22 and 23.
  • the zone at 24 includes a hole and captive nut which is used to secure the wire, thread or ribbon 16 connecting one panel layer to another.
  • the paddle 25 pivots on a rod inserted down the hole 29, Figure 3b.
  • the paddle rests in the plane of the partial panel 21.
  • the paddle can be seen in Figure 3c to have a special shape around the area surrounding the pivot axis.
  • the paddle does not push on the tape 27.
  • the tape 27 is pushed to the right hand side of the aperture, whose corners are perpendicular to the plane of the partial panel. High frictional forces occur between the tape edges and the inner corners of the apertures.
  • the tape is forced to align perpendicularly with the plane of the partial panel.
  • the shape of the paddle around the pivot point is designed to result in three states; non-contact state where the sprung energy in the tape is least, a middle state where the sprung energy in the tape is maximum and a third state where the sprung energy is less than maximum but enough to result in stiff clamping. Since the middle state is always passed through when the paddle is moved, the resting state of the paddle is either non-contact or in the third clamping state.
  • the panel is moved forward under the action of tension in the thread, wire or ribbon connecting one panel to another and to the first front panel.
  • FIG. 4 shows at least one motorised tension support tape delivery system 31 placed on a raised pillar 34.
  • the motorised tape delivery system is pivoted on the pillar so that when the telescopic boom extends the extension can pull the tape 32 out of the delivery system and the delivery system passively tilts accordingly.
  • the tape 32 lies close to vertical and when it is fully extended the tape 32 adopts an angle as shown
  • the telescopic boom can handle large compression forces the uplift created at 33 can be very high and achieve the desired loading.
  • FIG 4b a second at least one motorised tension support tape delivery system is shown in a slightly different embodiment spreading the tension over two tapes (32, 38) and two parts of the boom.
  • the tape is used with a support member at 39 which provides uplift at both 39 and 33 however the tension tape arrives at a lower angle at 33 creating less occlusion in that region.
  • a plurality of at least one motorised tension support tape delivery systems may be added.
  • At least one elastic tape is used as an alternative to a motorised tape so that tension force 35 increases with the boom extension in a natural manner
  • at least one suspension wire 39 is shown a plurality of wires is added servicing each tape holder layer component.
  • a boom of the invention has been made extending three meters and able to carry a parcel of 2Kgs at its end.
  • the invention has been described from the point of view of the telescopic boom. It will now be described from the point of view of the parcel receiving system.
  • the invention relates to a mechanism that will support the reception and collection of parcels by an aerial drone.
  • the most practical and safe manner in the context of residential and urban properties, is to do so at height via an existing or new window opening.
  • the invention is suited for use on conventional window openings.
  • Windows come in many different forms and may be fitted in a wall or in a roof.
  • Wndow types such as Single-hung sash, Double-hung sash, Foldup, Horizontal sliding sash, Casement, Awning, Hopper, Pivot, Tilt and slide, Tilt and turn, Jalousie window, Skylight may all be characterised by being able to be opened such that an area towards the bottom half of the total window area can be opened sufficiently such that a parcel may move from outside to inside via this area.
  • the sill may be very small compared to wall windows and so should be treated differently, for by example including at least one floating windowsill structure.
  • Figure 5a shows a generic window opening in a wall 69, with a windowsill 70.
  • Figure 5b shows a generic roof window opening 71 in a roof without a windowsill but with at least one floating windowsill 72.
  • the invention is designed to sit on the windowsill. Due to the angle of the windowpane when the window is closed, the invention differs between the variant suitable for walls and the variant suitable for roofs.
  • the variant suitable for walls will be described here first and then a modification required for the variant suitable for roofs will be described for the variant suitable for roofs.
  • Figure 6a shows a cross sectional view through one view of one part of the invention as its at least one overall unit 75 sits clamped to the windowsill 73.
  • the telescopic system which is fully retracted.
  • the telescopic system comprising a plurality of multiple tape delivery systems and tape holders.
  • the telescopic system can extend outside of the window as shown in figure 6b.
  • At least one parcel carrier basket is required to provide a reception point for the parcel or to provide a surface where the parcel can be held for collection.
  • the invention includes at least one extensible rail track on which the at least one parcel carrier basket is conveyed.
  • the basket may be attached to the boom end going outwards and backwards with the boom.
  • the at least one extensible rail track 74 comprises extensible tapes that emerge from the top of the at least one overall unit and sit on top of the plurality of tape holders, as shown in figure 7a. The place where the extensible track sits on the tape holder is shown in figure 7b.
  • the at least one parcel carrier basket can be moved along the boom on the two tracks made from extensible tapes.
  • the base of the at least one parcel carrier basket 86 is shown in figure 8a.
  • the figure depicts how the basket is fixed to the end of the two extensible tracks.
  • the basket rolls on the extensible tapes of Figure 7a which create a track.
  • the invention includes at least one basket pulley system, which uses thread driven by two motors and a pulley such that the basket can be pulled forwards or backwards on the track and that the thread can be retracted when the boom is retracted.
  • a thread pulley 85 At the end of the extended boom is a thread pulley 85.
  • the thread 80 feeds from the reel 83 to pulley 85 and back to reel 84.
  • the basket is shown at midway of the boom.
  • motor 81 When motor 81 is driven with motor 82 in neutral, the basket is pulled by way of the reel, pulley and thread forward. Thread is taken up by one real as thread is released from the other reel.
  • motor 82 When motor 82 is driven with motor 81 in neutral, the basket is pulled by way of the reel, pulley and thread backward.
  • the at least one basket pulley system comprises at least one motor and reel for pulling the basket inside the wall, at least one motor and reel for pulling the basket outside the wall, at least one thread and at least one pulley rotating the thread at the far end of the boom, at least one sensor and at least one control input to detect when the motors should be in neutral state or to be driven.
  • the carrier basket is an important aspect of the invention for several reasons.
  • the basket is suitably pervious to high airflow to reduce back pressure on the aerial drone propellers.
  • it preferably include means to stop the parcel falling off the basket.
  • the basket is designed to not fall off the boom.
  • the basket allows the parcel to be dropped off easily when the parcel enters inside of the wall.
  • FIG. 9 shows a close up of the basket design.
  • the basket is made up of a plurality of gull wing plates spaced apart 15mm to 20mm and therefore the basket bottom layer is highly pervious to air flow. Wires thread through each plate so that the basket is a flexible entity along its length.
  • the gull wing ends of the plates rise upwards such that when the bottom of the basket is flat and horizontal, then the bottom resembles a flat surface and the rod ends act as wall barriers.
  • the wires cannot hold the rods vertically anymore and the rods rotate to take the form of the curved cylinder.
  • the basket hangs in space where there is no support.
  • the basket design allows a parcel to be dropped off when the basket is pulled inside of the wall.
  • At least one support member pivoting at its bottom point so that it can take the angle of the window at 45 degrees.
  • the at least one pivoting support member can be driven by at least one actuator to a vertical position.
  • the pivoting member can be rotated back to its 45 degree rest position.
  • Figure 10 shows delivery of a parcel 90 to the interior of a building, arriving at then sliding down slope 91 to rest at final delivery position shown in fig. 10b at the bottom of the slope.
  • Figure 11 shows the control system that relates to the invention.
  • the control system comprises at least one computer processing unit attached to at least one sensor input circuitry and at least one motor drive circuitry and at least one human computer interface or alternatively at least one internet connected web server.
  • control system operates by taking a keyboard command from the human such as extend or retract the boom. To extend the boom the tape delivery systems motors are driven to extend the tape. The control system monitors when the tape delivery has reached a maximum distance D, which it does by sensing the extension via the at least one sensor input circuitry and switches off the motors. When the human request a retraction the tape delivery systems are driven to retract the tape. The control system monitors when the tape delivery has reached zero, which it does by sensing the extension via the at least one sensor input circuitry and switches off the motors.
  • the control system operates by taking a keyboard command from the human such as push out or pull back the basket.
  • a keyboard command from the human such as push out or pull back the basket.
  • the control system monitors when the basket has reached a maximum distance D, which it does by sensing the extension of the thread via the at least one sensor input circuitry and switches off the motors.
  • the thread reel motor is driven to reel in the basket.
  • the control system monitors when the basket has reached zero, which it does by sensing the thread retraction via the at least one sensor input circuitry and switches off the motors.
  • the thread reel motors go to neutral or powered as described before.
  • the invention therefore includes a level of autonomy in the control systems functionality that allows the administrator to pre-set it with information about a future delivery.
  • the invention can be installed in a residential property with at least one window in a wall or at least one window in the roof, or at least one balcony with a balcony wall.
  • multiple parcel-receiving systems may be installed across a property or premises.
  • the invention may be installed with at least one window in a wall or at least one window in the roof, or at least one balcony with a balcony wall or a plurality of these.
  • the invention therefore proposes as part of at least one control system and at least one administration system, a drone pass code.
  • a drone pass code is defined as a code which informs the owner of the drone pass, where parcel-receiving systems are placed geographically and any other pertinent information, these data being stored in multiple fields within the drone pass code.
  • the drone pass code includes a field of at least one client identifier, which uniquely identifies the owner of the at least one parcel-receiving system.
  • the drone pass code includes a field list, the list containing at least one parcel-receiving system geo-identifier, which uniquely identifies the geographical position of the at least one parcel-receiving system as well as its unique name and type.
  • the drone pass code includes at least one temporal list, each element of the list is associated with each geo-identifier.
  • This temporal list encodes the range of times at which a drone delivery or collection is allowed to occur for that unique parcel-receiving system. This may range for always, to a range of minutes on a specific day.
  • the drone pass code is generated whenever the owner wants to issue a pass for a drone to deliver or collect items. Collections and deliveries cannot occur except with the valid code at the valid times.
  • the supplier will need to issue a tracking number, along with a URL site at which the tracking status by drone can be checked.
  • the tracking number and information of the URL is stored alongside the fields of the drone pass code in an encrypted or unencrypted manner depending on the level of security required.
  • the aim is to organise and issue safe drone pass codes to any incoming drone flight and ensure drone flights tally only with these passes.
  • Drones arriving without valid drone passes are trespassing and may be subject to actions to remove them. Drones arriving with valid passes are allowed in the property airspace and as such action cannot be taken against them, even if the drone causes damage to property.
  • B provides A, with a choice of a delivery dates and times.
  • B provides A, with a tracking number and the URL which is checked with the tracking number to assess delivery status.
  • A merges all the fields of the drone pass code and provides this unique code back to B.
  • the drone pass code resulting from this transaction is stored in the at least one administration system.
  • the at least one parcel-receiving systems around the campus are issued with the drone pass code. Since each control system unit of each parcel-receiving system knows its own unique identifier then they can automatically plan for the arriving parcel.
  • the individual parcel-receiving systems control system unit will begin accessing the URL and with the tracking number determine the status of the drone delivery.
  • the tracking status includes the correct drone pass code
  • This HTTP request results in the tracking report which indicates if the drone is nearing the location. Provided the drone arrives between the defined times specified in the drone pass code, and provided the tracking status indicates the drone is within a nearby range such as 20 meters, then the parcel-receiving system will begin to open the window and extend the telescopic boom and basket.
  • the tracking status will be checked and if it indicates delivered and at least one load sensors on the boom indicate reception of a load, then the basket will be drawn in and the boom retracted.
  • the control system can message the administrator or single owner the delivery is completed.
  • Example 2 Alternative Panel Clampinq and Boom Control An alternative system and method for panel clamping and boom control is now described.
  • Fig.s 12 to 18 show an alternative panel interconnection and boom extension system 99.
  • a flipper 104 is rotatable between two positions, a first in which eccentric projection extends substantially parallel with the motion of the tape and a second in which it is rotated approximately 90 degrees, so as to press onto the tape 106 or 107.
  • the projection jams the tape against the panel whereby the tape and the panel 111 are stiffly connected.
  • first intermediate member also referred to as intermediate panel or tape holder layer panel
  • First intermediate panel 111 has a member 112 attached to the rod which rotates the flipper near 108. The member is fixed secure to the rod so that if the member rotates then the rod will rotate.
  • the member 112 is pivoted and connected to member 113, which is connected to the rod of the second intermediate panel 114. However, this member is not fixed secure and when the member rotates it does not create any torque on the rod to which it is attached.
  • the second intermediate panel has a member similar to 112 connected and fixed secure to that panel’s rod.
  • first panel 111 rises with it (as it is rigidly connected thereto).
  • second panel 114 remains stationary, the action of rising will cause 112 and 113 to rotate.
  • Member 112 causes the flipper to rotate and lock the tape, securely attaching 114 onto the tapes 106, 107 on either side, while member 13 has no effect on the rod to which it is attached.
  • a tape is not clamped while it is moving, which is not the case in the other described embodiment.
  • the flipper locking clamp is more robust and reliable.
  • each panel has a ridge 115 which is intended to ride in the thread of the roller 116. If the ridge is within the thread, the panel cannot rise. If the roller 116 is rotated by the motor 118 with torque applied via the sliding rods 117, then the roller will screw into the external threads created by support 119 and 115 and will go up or down depending on the motor rotation direction. Therefore, the roller 116 can be positioned relative to any panel ridge so as to block its motion.
  • Fig. 17 shows ridge 115 held within the groove 116 and then fig. 16 shows the ridge released, allowing extension of the respective panel, now locked onto the tapes.
  • boom is extended, panel-by-panel, and panels are one-by-one locked onto the tapes, with locked panels spaced evenly apart from each other and creating an extended boom with weight-bearing capacity.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Storage Of Web-Like Or Filamentary Materials (AREA)
  • Tents Or Canopies (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une flèche télescopique destinée à recevoir et/ou à collecter des colis à partir d'un bâtiment par drone, comportant un ou plusieurs systèmes d'amenée de bande rigide comportant chacun une bande et capables de déployer la bande de façon à déployer un élément de flèche avant vers l'extérieur par rapport au bâtiment, au moins un élément de flèche avant fixé à l'extrémité de la ou des bandes, une pluralité d'éléments intermédiaires, également appelés panneaux de couche de maintien de bande, la bande passant à travers une ouverture dans ceux-ci, une pince sur chaque élément intermédiaire mobile entre une première position dans laquelle l'élément se déplace librement sur la bande et une seconde position dans laquelle l'élément est arrimé à la bande, l'élément de flèche avant, en cours d'utilisation, étant déployé en manœuvrant les systèmes d'amenée de bande et les éléments intermédiaires étant, dans une position de flèche déployée, écartés les uns des autres et arrimés aux bandes.
PCT/EP2022/053708 2021-02-16 2022-02-15 Plate-forme de réception / collecte de colis WO2022175285A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2312441.5A GB2618712A (en) 2021-02-16 2022-02-15 Parcel receiving / collection platform

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2102156.3 2021-02-16
GBGB2102156.3A GB202102156D0 (en) 2021-02-16 2021-02-16 Drone Parcel Platform
GBGB2114227.8A GB202114227D0 (en) 2021-02-16 2021-10-05 Parcel reveiving/collection platform
GB2114227.8 2021-10-05

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2022175285A1 true WO2022175285A1 (fr) 2022-08-25

Family

ID=80461722

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2022/053708 WO2022175285A1 (fr) 2021-02-16 2022-02-15 Plate-forme de réception / collecte de colis

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2618712A (fr)
WO (1) WO2022175285A1 (fr)

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2014080390A2 (fr) * 2014-04-01 2014-05-30 Wasfi Alshdaifat Convoyeur autonome d'interfaçage de distribution aérienne
US20200180880A1 (en) * 2018-12-06 2020-06-11 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. Drone delivery platform to facilitate delivery of parcels by unmanned aerial vehicles

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2014080390A2 (fr) * 2014-04-01 2014-05-30 Wasfi Alshdaifat Convoyeur autonome d'interfaçage de distribution aérienne
US20200180880A1 (en) * 2018-12-06 2020-06-11 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. Drone delivery platform to facilitate delivery of parcels by unmanned aerial vehicles

Also Published As

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GB2618712A (en) 2023-11-15
GB202312441D0 (en) 2023-09-27

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