WO2023027773A1 - Contenant de charge utile avec alimentation électrique de systèmes sans pilote - Google Patents

Contenant de charge utile avec alimentation électrique de systèmes sans pilote Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023027773A1
WO2023027773A1 PCT/US2022/023994 US2022023994W WO2023027773A1 WO 2023027773 A1 WO2023027773 A1 WO 2023027773A1 US 2022023994 W US2022023994 W US 2022023994W WO 2023027773 A1 WO2023027773 A1 WO 2023027773A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
case
uav
payload container
electrical lead
cap
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2022/023994
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Julio GIL
Jeff Luckett
Julian Bell
Jared Nauert
Original Assignee
United Parcel Service Of America, Inc.
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 US17/712,451 external-priority patent/US20220320669A1/en
Application filed by United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. filed Critical United Parcel Service Of America, Inc.
Priority to CA3227893A priority Critical patent/CA3227893A1/fr
Publication of WO2023027773A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023027773A1/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D9/00—Equipment for handling freight; Equipment for facilitating passenger embarkation or the like
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64U—UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES [UAV]; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR
    • B64U10/00—Type of UAV
    • B64U10/10—Rotorcrafts
    • B64U10/13—Flying platforms
    • B64U10/14—Flying platforms with four distinct rotor axes, e.g. quadcopters
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64U—UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES [UAV]; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR
    • B64U20/00—Constructional aspects of UAVs
    • B64U20/70—Constructional aspects of the UAV body
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64U—UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES [UAV]; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR
    • B64U20/00—Constructional aspects of UAVs
    • B64U20/80—Arrangement of on-board electronics, e.g. avionics systems or wiring
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64U—UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES [UAV]; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR
    • B64U50/00—Propulsion; Power supply
    • B64U50/30—Supply or distribution of electrical power
    • B64U50/34—In-flight charging
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64U—UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES [UAV]; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR
    • B64U50/00—Propulsion; Power supply
    • B64U50/30—Supply or distribution of electrical power
    • B64U50/39—Battery swapping
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64U—UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES [UAV]; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR
    • B64U2101/00—UAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications
    • B64U2101/60—UAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications for transporting passengers; for transporting goods other than weapons
    • B64U2101/64—UAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications for transporting passengers; for transporting goods other than weapons for parcel delivery or retrieval
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64U—UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES [UAV]; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR
    • B64U30/00—Means for producing lift; Empennages; Arrangements thereof
    • B64U30/20—Rotors; Rotor supports
    • B64U30/26—Ducted or shrouded rotors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64U—UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES [UAV]; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR
    • B64U50/00—Propulsion; Power supply
    • B64U50/10—Propulsion
    • B64U50/19—Propulsion using electrically powered motors

Definitions

  • UAVs Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
  • Some UAVs are being used to commercially to deliver parcels.
  • Sometimes the majority of deliveries performed by UAVs include relatively small, light parcels.
  • UAVs have operated using several different power sources. Some examples include liquid fuel gasoline engines, solar panels, batteries, and fuel cells. Balter/ power sources are the most common power source for UAV s. Batery technology has advanced to the point where UAVs can use batteries to fly over long distances. One benefit to using batteries as a power source is that a batten' can be charged while the UAV is not in use. Moreover, charged batteries can be swapped with depleted batteries to provide the UAVs with a near constant source of power with little delay.
  • aspects described herein relate to a case and a payload container for carrying loads by an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).
  • UAV Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
  • the case includes a battery pack that, when the case is secured to the UAV, is configured to provide a power source for the UAV.
  • Some aspects described herein relate to the case where the battery pack that can be wrapped around a cylinder portion of the case with a hollow' core where the goods are stored.
  • the payload container has a cushioned bumper at the front to soften the impact of the case when inserted.
  • the payload container or the outer wall of the payload container includes a front end that is closed and curved and a rear end that is open and includes seals and clamps that lock the case into place.
  • FIG. 1 is an exemplary UAV for carrying payloads, in accordance with an embodiment described herein;
  • FIG. 2. is an exemplary case, in accordance with an aspect described herein;
  • FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D are exemplary payload containers suitable for transporting the case of FIG. 2, in accordance with an aspect described herein.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary case inserted inside a payload container in accordance with an aspect described herein.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary UAV for carrying payloads using a rechargeable batery pack, in accordance with an embodiment described herein.
  • UAVs are utilized for delivering items, including parcels and laboratory samples. When delivering items using UAVs it can be beneficial for the UAV to have multiple power sources during transit.
  • the present disclosure provides systems and methods that improve aspects of item delivery' using UAVs. Some aspects are also particularly useful for delivering items such as blood or lab samples across healthcare institutions with a decrease in the amount of times needed to stop deliveries to charge the UAV.
  • One of the disclosed technologies relates to some embodiments of a payload container that can be attached and used to transport a load using a UAV. Also disclosed are some embodiments of cases that can attach to the payload container. In some embodiments, the cases can fit inside the payload container. The payload container is designed to hold in the case.
  • the case and/or container includes a battery for the UAV.
  • the case and/or payload container can be loaded with an item and provided to the UAV, and the UAV may then use the battery associated with the case and/or payload container to power it to its deliver ⁇ ' location.
  • the benefit of this design is that it allows an item to be provided to a UAV for delivery' with a charged battery, reducing the number of components needed by the UAV for delivery.
  • the battery of the case and/or payload container can be conveniently charged, while awaiting an item for delivery' . Once the item is placed within the case and/or payload container, the payload container is loaded or attached onto the UAV, which then has sufficient battery power to begin delivering the item.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary’ UAV for carrying payloads, in accordance with an embodiment described herein.
  • the UAV 100 comprises a payload container 102 coupled to UAV 100, and illustrated within payload container 102 is a case 104, which can be delivered from or to a pneumatic delivery' system.
  • the payload container 102 may be permanently affixed or releasable affixed to UAV 100, or may be integrally formed as part of UAV 100.
  • the payload container 102, the case 104, or portions of the UAV 100 or any combination of them include a battery pack.
  • the case 104 has terminals on either end that electrically connect it with leads withm the payload container 102. In another example, the case 104 electrically connects wirelessly to the payload container 102 and/or the UAV 100. In one example, the payload container 102 is connected to a power distribution component of the UAV 100. In another example, either the payload container 102 or the case 104 or both wirelessly connect to electrical components in the UAV 100.
  • the case 104 can be separately charged and used to hold items. In one example, whenever the case 104 is replaced in the UAV 1000, it can provide the UAV 100 with a fully' charged battery' with each new delivery. In one example, this can save time between deliveries since the UAV 100 may not need to recharge after every activity or delivery. In another example, the UAV 100 also may not need to stop midway in between a delivery to recharge.
  • case 200 comprises a first end 202.
  • the first end 202 comprises a first cap 204 and a first opening.
  • a second end 208 comprises a second cap 210 and a second opening.
  • One or more of the caps 204, 210 can be opened to access the space inside the case 200.
  • one or more of the caps 204, 210 can be used to place or remove a load from the case 200, to place or remove or access the battery pack 206, to place or remove or access any other component of the case 200.
  • the outer wall of the case can be opened to access the space inside the case 200 or any load placed inside the case 200.
  • the second opening may be smaller than the first opening.
  • a battery pack 206 can provide a power source for the UAV when the case 200 is secured to the UAV.
  • the first cap 204 and second cap 210 can each comprise at least one metal connector for delivering power to the UAV.
  • the caps 204, 210 or other locations in the case 200 may also include devices such as house sensors (e.g.
  • first cap 204 and/or the second cap 210 of the case 200 connect to a portion of the payload container.
  • the first cap 204 and/or the second cap 210 can connect to portion of the payload container so that there is electrical connection from the battery pack 206 in the case 200 to the payload container and/or the UAV.
  • the case 200 includes additional connectors such as a metal ring 211 outside the case 200.
  • the metal ring 21 1 is located on either end 202, 208 of the case 200.
  • the metal ring 21 1 is located in one or the other end 202, 208 of the case 200. It should be understood that a metal ring 211 can be located anywhere else externally in the case 200 and can be a ring or a straight line or any other shape.
  • the metal ring 211 can electrically connect to the payload container.
  • the metal ring 21 1 can connect to a clamp in the payload container.
  • the metal ring 211 can be a narrow metallic rim.
  • one end 202, 208 of the case 200 is a positi ve terminal and the other end is a negative terminal.
  • the first end 202 of the case 200 is a positive terminal and the second end 208 of the case 202 is a negative terminal.
  • the poles of the terminals can be different or can be interchanged between the first end 202 and the second end 208. As illustrated in FIG. 2, each side can have a positive and negative terminal.
  • the ends 202, 208 are negative terminal, but the inner caps or inner portion of the case are positive terminal. It is understood that this can be interchanged as well.
  • the first end 202 and the second end 208 are symmetrical so that any end 202, 208 of the case 200 can be connected to any end or any side of the payload container.
  • the first end 202 and a second end 208 can be symmetrical to allow the case 200 to be inserted or connected or attached in any direction to the payload container to allow the battery pack 206 to charge multiple devices in or outside the UAV and/or be charged from multiple devices in or outside the UAV.
  • the batten' pack 206 may be wrapped around at least a portion of case 200.
  • the battery pack 206 can be wrapped around the cylinder portion of the case 200 such that there is a hollow core in the case 200 where a load can be placed or stored.
  • the battery' pack 206 can be placed in part of the storage area of the case 200 where a load can be placed.
  • the battery pack 206 is housed in at least one of either the first end 202 or the second end 208 of the case 200.
  • the battery pack 206 can be placed inside either the first cap 204 or the second cap 210 or both. A portion of batteries in the battery pack 206 can be rechargeabl e or non-rechargeable.
  • any battery’ pack 206 can be used, for example, battery’ packs 206 where a portion of the batteries is non-rechargeable, battery packs 206 where a portion of the batteries is rechargeable, or any battery' having any technology' for storing energy' or power or the like or a combination. It should be understood that a portion of the batteries in the battery' pack 206 can be wireless or use any technology that provides power. In one example, each of the case 104 can be separately charged using the battery-’ pack 206 and ready to be used in a payload container with a fully charged battery'. The battery’ pack 206 can be embedded or not embedded. In one embodiment, the battery' pack 206 acts as a main power source for the UAV.
  • the battery' pack 206 either supplements the power to UAV or supplies power to a portion of the components and/or devices on the UAV or any external device to the UAV.
  • external sources of power can be used to recharge the battery pack 206 either in flight or when it is not in flight.
  • the battety pack 206 can be any shape, for example, it could be wrapped around the cylinder portion of the container, with a hollow' core where the goods are stored, taking up part of the cylinder storage or housed inside either or both caps.
  • the battery pack 206 can be of any shape such as sphere, cylinder, cone, cube, cuboid, hexagonal prism, square-based pyramid, tetrahedron, triangular prism, or any structure with one or more faces that are curved, or the like, or a combination. It should be understood that the case 200 can also be of any shape such as sphere, cylinder, cone, cube, cuboid, hexagonal prism, square-based pyramid, tetrahedron, triangular prism, or any structure with one or more faces that are curved, or the like, or a combination or even change shapes based on the load being carried, the battery pack 206, the shape of the payload container, or the like, or a combination.
  • the payload container 300 is designed to attach to the case 200.
  • the case 200 can be inserted inside the payload container 300.
  • the payload container 300 includes a battery pack and does not need to attach to a case 200.
  • a load can be placed inside the payload container 300 that includes one or more battery' packs and a case 200 may not be needed.
  • the payload container 300 comprises an outer wall surrounding a chamber.
  • the case 200 or the load can be placed inside this chamber 300.
  • the outer wall can be cylindrical or of any other shape.
  • the payload container 300 can have a front end 304 and a rear end 302.
  • the rear end 302 is configured to receive a case 200,
  • the payload container 300 comprises a rear end 302 configured to couple to the UAV. It should be understood that any portion of the payload container 300 can be designed to couple to the UAV,
  • a front electrical lead 314, 348 and a rear electrical lead 320 are configured to connect to the battery pack 206 of the case 200 and/or a power distribution board of the UAV.
  • the front electrical lead 314, 348 and rear electrical lead 320 can form an electrical connection to the battery' pack 206 of the case 200 and/or a power distribution board of the UAV or any electrical component of the UAV.
  • the front electrical lead 314, 348 is configured to connect to the battery pack and the rear electrical lead 320 is configured to connect to a power distribution board of the UAV
  • the front electrical lead 314, 348 can connect to the positive terminal in the case 200 (illustrated tow-ards the first end 202 of the case 200) and the rear electrical lead 320 can connect to the negative terminal in the case (illustrated towards the second end 208 of the case 200).
  • the front electrical lead 314, 348 in the first end 202 or the rear electrical lead 320 in the second end 208 can be designated the positive or negative terminal.
  • the case 200 can have a first end 202 and a second end 208 that can connect to any of the front electrical lead 314, 348 or the rear electrical lead 320.
  • the first end 202 and a second end 208 can be symmetrical to allow the case 200 to be inserted in any direction inside the payload container 300.
  • the battery pack 206 of the case 200 can electrically connect to the payload container 300 and/or any electrical component on the UAV and/or the UAV and/or any electrical component or device external to the UAV,
  • the payload container 300 further includes clamps 320, 316 such as, but not limited to spring loaded clamps.
  • the payload container 300 contains three spring load clamps 354, 358, 360 as further illustrated in FIG. 3B. ft should be understood that the payload container 300 can include more or less spring load clamps or any other method that can assist in electrically connecting the payload container 300 with the case 200 and/or components or devices in the UAV and/or retaining the case 200 or any other structure inserted or attached to the payload container 300.
  • one or more of the clamps 354, 358, 360 can be designed to retain that the case 200 so that it does not slip back out even if the payload container 300 is subject to force such as vibration, inclination, or any other force acting on the payload container 300. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the clamps 354, 358, 360 can also act as an electrical connector to an electrical component of the UAV or to an external electrical component. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the clamps 354, 358, 360 can also include electrical components, sensors, electrical devices, or the like.
  • one or more of the clamps 320, 316 can be made out of metallic or any other material and can connect to a wire 312.
  • a bumper 314, 348 attached to a front electrical lead 314, 348 can connect to another wire 310.
  • any other technology' can be used to electrically connect the battery pack 206 to the payload container 300 and/or components or devices in the UAV.
  • external connections of the case 200 such as the metal ring 211 connects to one or more clamps 320, 314 or the bumper 318, 348 to allow for electrical connection.
  • a metal component located in any portion of the case 200 can allow for electrical connection any location of the payload container 300.
  • the metal ring 211 of the case 200 touches one or more of the clamps 320 connected to wire 312 for the positive terminal.
  • the payload container 300 and/or components and devices in the UAV can contain sensors or devices to wirelessly connect with the batten' pack 206 of the case 200 to allow for electrical connection.
  • the payload container 300 and/or components and devices in the UAV can contain pads or devices that allow them to electrically connect with the battery pack 206 of the case 200.
  • the payload container 300 includes a seal 322.
  • the seal 322 can be made of any material such as foam, rubber or the like.
  • the seal 322 can be located in the rear end 302 of the payload container 300 to help create a vacuum, closing any opening against the case 200.
  • the payload container 300 includes a bumper 352 at a front end 304 and one or more clamps 354, 358, 360 on the rear end 302 where a case 200 can be attached or inserted.
  • the bumper 352 can attach to a front electrical lead 348.
  • a wire 310 connected to the front electrical lead 314, 348 protrudes through a bumper 318 and a wire 312 connected to the rear electrical lead 320 protrudes through a clamp 320 or a retaining clamp 320.
  • the payload container 300 can include a seal 350 at one or more ends of the payload container 300.
  • one or more clamps 320 can be designed to move or rotate or pivot between an open clamp position 372 and a recessed clamp position 370.
  • the one or more clamps 320 include a spring 372 or any other device that can allow the clamp 320 to move between the different positions.
  • the clamps 320, 316 have a bias towards the center of the payload container 300 as defined by the outer wall of the payload container 300. When a case 200 is inserted into the payload container 300, the clamps 320, 316 hold the case 200 within the payload container 300 due to the bias. The clamps 320, 316 can be depressed against the bias to release the case 200.
  • the case 200 can push the clamp from an open clamp position 372 to the recessed clamp position 370.
  • the recessed clamp position 370 allows the payload container 300 to lock or hold or retain in the case 200 or any other structure inserted inside or attached to the payload container 300.
  • the insertion of the case 200 can push the one or more clamps 354, 358, 360 into a recessed position.
  • the springs 374 push the clamps 320 back into the payload container 300 space and the case 200 cannot get back out.
  • One or more clamps 354, 358, 360 can include a pivot structure 378 such as a pin to allow the clamp 354, 358, 360 to pivot from a pivot point. This pivot structure 378 can rotate to allow the clamp 354, 358, 360 to rotate or pivot about the pivot point.
  • the pivot structure 378 can also allow the clamp 320 to attach to the body of the payload container 300.
  • the clamps 320, 316 can be designed to be wide enough and/or long enough to allow the case 200 to be retained inside the payload container 300.
  • one or more clamps 320 include a rear electrical lead 320 that allow the electrical connections in the payload container 300 and/or the case 200 to electrically connect to devices or electrical components outside the payload container 300.
  • multiple spring loaded clamps 354, 358, 360 lock the case in place and prevent it from bouncing out.
  • the bumper 396, 398 along with the front electrical lead 384 presses or pushes or touches or connects the case 200 against the one or more clamps 388, 390, and 392.
  • the bumper 396, 398 moves forwards and backwards along a horizontal line between the compressed position and a non-compressed position.
  • springs 396 or any other structure compress a coil or any structure 398 capable of being compressed and the edge of the bumper structure 384 exerts pressure against the case 200. in one example, a pressure holds the case 200 in place.
  • the bumper 396, 398 is designed to push or press or touch or attach or connect with the case 200 that is locked in or retained by the clamps 388, 390, 392 to allow the metal ring 211 of the case 200 to touch one of the clamps 388, 390, 392 such as the top clamps 390.
  • the metal ring 21 I of the case 200 touches one or more of the clamps 388, 390, 392
  • an electrical connection can close between the case 200, payload container 300 and/or external devices.
  • the bumper structure 396, 398 consists of the bumper 396, 398 along with the first electrical lead 384. It should be understood that the bumper can also be referred to as the bumper structure.
  • the rear electrical lead 320 is a metal springloaded clamp within the payload container 300.
  • the front electrical lead 314, 348 is a metal pad inside of the payload container 300.
  • the front electrical lead 314, 348 can communicate with electrical connections that correspond to the positive terminal 310 extending out of the payload container 300.
  • the rear electrical lead 320 can communicate with electrical connections that corresponds to the negative terminal 312 extending out of the electrical connections.
  • the electrical leads 314, 348, 320 communicates with a power distribution board of the UAV or any other electrical device or component of the UAV.
  • a wire 310 connected to front electrical lead 314 protrudes through a bumper 318 and a second wire 312 is connected to rear electrical lead 320 attached to one or more clamps 320.
  • wires can be used to enable electrical connections in the payload container 300, but it should be understood that one or more electrical connections can be wireless or wired or any use any technology’ to transmit electricity’ or magnetism or power.
  • the payload container 300 can comprise a rear end 302 configured to receive the payload container 200.
  • the front end 304 is rounded to form a rounded chamber 351 in the front end 304.
  • the payload container 300 can include one or more seals 322, 350, for example but not limited to rubber seals 322, 350.
  • the seal 322, 350 can allow to achieve vacuum in one or more portions of the payload container 300.
  • the seal 322, 350 can form a vacuum within the rounded chamber 351 in the front end 304.
  • the seal 322, 350 allows for an airtight connection.
  • the seal 322, 350 allows for a waterproof connection or a temperature controlled connection or the like.
  • the seal 322, 350 could also be used to ensure the snugness or fitting in cases 200 or other structures inserted inside the payload containers 300, where the cases 200 or these other structures are of different shapes and do not snugly fit inside the payload container 300.
  • the seal 322, 350 can expand or contract to push the case 200 inside the payload container 200 so that it does not move during the flight of the UAV or any activity involving the UAV and/or the payload container 300.
  • the seal 322, 350 can be made of any material such as foam, rubber or the like.
  • the seal 322, 350 can be located in any location inside or outside the payload container 300, inside or outside cases 200, or on any structure that is inserted or attached to the payload container 200.
  • the seal 322, 350 can be located in the back of the payload container 300 to help create a vacuum, closing any opening against the case 200.
  • the payload container 300 has a cushioned bumper at the front to soften the impact of the case when inserted.
  • the payload container includes a front end 304 that is curved for aerodynamic performance and a rear end 302 that includes a seal 322 and one or more clamps 320, 316 to allow the case to lock into place inside the payload container.
  • the payload container 300 is designed so that the opening of the payload container 300 at the rear end 302 is wider than the diameter of the inner cylinder 328 of the payload container 300. This may allow the rear end 302 to look like a funnel since it is wider outside the payload container 300 and narrower when it reaches the inner cylinder 328 of the case 200.
  • the width of the payload container 300 in the rear end 302 is wider than the width of the inner cylinder 328 of the payload container 300.
  • This structure can be referred to as a case funnel. It can assist the payload container 300 to funnel the case 200 into another container, pipe or tabular structure, for example but not limited to the payload container 300. It can also allow' for any structure, a pipe, or any tabular structure narrower than the width of the rear end 302 to slide in and collapse the clamps.
  • the rear end 302 and the front end 304 can be either open or closed or be any shape such as curved, concave, convex, straight, having multiple curves, having no curves, or the like.
  • a front end 304 that is closed and curved can allow- for aerodynamic performance.
  • the back end 302, which can be open has a seal 322, 350 that can allow 7 for an airtight connection.
  • One or more clamps 320, 316 at the rear end can secure the case.
  • the outer wall can be cylindrical. It should be understood that the outer wall can be of any shape such as part of a prism, part of a 3D structure having one or more curved faces, or the like.
  • the payload container 300 has a bumper 318 in one of the ends, such as the front end 304.
  • the bumper 318 within the chamber 351 at the front end 304 can secure the case 200 or hold the case 200 into place. In one example, if the bumper 318 is cushioned, it can be beneficial to soften the impact of the case 200 when inserted.
  • a connector 324 can extend along the length of the payload container 300.
  • the connector 324 may be an air hose or an air vent that can allow the main payload container 300 to push and pull on the case 200 without any additional airflow'. It should be understood that the connector 324 can use any other technologies to push and pull the payload container 300 such use magnetism or electricity or air or water or the like.
  • the payload container 300 includes multiple springs 412 located on one or both sides of the payload container 300.
  • the springs 412 in the clamps 408 bow up and fasten the case 200 in place when the case 200 attaches to the payload container 300 or is inserted inside the payload container 300.
  • the insertion of the case 200 pushes the clamps 408 into their recessed position as illustrated in FIG. 4. As soon as the thickest portion of the case 200 goes through, the spring 412 push the clamps 408 back into the payload container 300 space and the case 200 cannot get back out.
  • the bumper in the front end of the payload container 300 pushes the case 200 against the clamps 408 and to allow the metal ring 211 to touch one of the clamps 408 such as the top clamp 408 which may allow for an electrical connection.
  • the seal 404 allows the formation of vacuum within the rounded chamber in the front end 304. In one example, the seal 404 may not form a vacuum inside but may cause a difference in air pressure inside the chamber.
  • the payload container 300 can use the difference in air pressure to move the case 200 in or out of the payload container 300. Other containers or tabular structures or pipe can also use difference in air pressure to move the case 200 in and out.
  • the payload container 300 is designed so that the opening of the pay load container 300 at the rear end 302 is wider than the diameter of the inner cylinder 328 of the payload container 300. This may allow the rear end 302 to look like a funnel since it is wider outside the payload container 300 and narrows when it reaches the inner cylinder 328 of the payload container 300.
  • Reference 410 illustrates an exemplaiy edge where the wider funnel portion towards the rear end of the payload container merges into the narrower portion of the payload container 300.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplaiy UAV 500 for carrying payloads using a rechargeable battery pack 508, in accordance with an embodiment described herein.
  • the UAV 500 comprises a payload container 502 coupled to UAV 100, and illustrated within payload container 502 is case 504, which can be delivered from or to a delivery system.
  • the UAV 500 further includes a battery pack 508 that can be rechargeable. It should be understood that while a rechargeable batery pack 508 is illustrated in this example, any battery pack 508 can be used, for example, batery packs 508 where a portion of the batteries is non-rechargeable, battery packs 508 where a portion of the batteries is rechargeable, or can include any other technology for storing energy or power or the like or a combination.
  • the baten' pack inside the case 504 can use power from the battery’ pack 508 connected to the UAV to recharge during flight or during other times.
  • the battery pack 508 connected to the UAV can use power from the battery-’ pack inside the case 504 to recharge during flight or during other times.
  • the battery pack inside the case 504 and the battery pack 508 connected to the UAV can recharge from external sources either during operation, during flight, or not in operation.
  • at least one of the UAV 500, the payload container 502, and the case 504 can determine how to allocate charge between the battery pack inside the case 504 and the battery' pack 508 connected to the UAV when recharging.
  • At least one of the UAV 500, the payload container 502, and the case 504 can determine when to use power from the rechargeable battery 508 connected to the UAV or the battery pack connected to the case 504.
  • a portion of the power from the rechargeable batten,' 508 connected to the UAV and another portion of the battery pack connected to the case 504 can be used to power airy component or device on the UAV, the UAV itself, or devices external to the UAV.
  • one or more devices in the UAV or external to the UAV can use either from the rechargeable battery’ 508 connected to the UAV or the battery pack connected to the case 504, or a combination.
  • one or more devices in the UAV or external to the UAV 7 can use either from the rechargeable batery 508 connected to the UA V or the batteiy pack connected to the case 504 until the power is depleted from the rechargeable battery 508 connected to the UAV or the battery pack and then use the rechargeable battery 508 connected to the UAV or the battery pack that still has charge.
  • a case such as the case described in any of the embodiments above comprise, a first end comprising a first cap and a first opening and a second end comprising a second cap and a second opening.
  • the case further comprises a battery pack that, when the case is secured to the UAV, is configured to provide a power source for the UAV.
  • the case further comprises the first cap and the second cap each comprising at least one metal connector for delivering power to the UAV.
  • these and other embodiments, as described herein improve the way UAVs or devices within the UAVs or containers or cases within the UAVs operate in terms of computer resource consumption (e.g., power, CPU, memory, I/O, network latency) and efficiency.
  • computer resource consumption e.g., power, CPU, memory, I/O, network latency
  • the battery' pack is wrapped around at least a portion of the case. In any combination of the above embodiments, the battery pack is housed in at least one of the first end or the second end of the case.
  • the batteiy' pack is embedded in the case.
  • a portion of batteries in the battery-’ pack is rechargeable.
  • a first metal connector of the first cap is operably connected to a first connecter of a payload container.
  • a second metal connector of the second cap is operably connected to a second connector in a retainer clamp.
  • the second opening is smaller than the first opening.
  • At least one of the first cap and the second cap include an electrical device.
  • the electrical device includes at least one of a sensor, a LED, a display.
  • the case is a shape consisting at least one of a sphere, a cylinder, a cone, a cube, a cuboid, a hexagonal prism, a square-based pyramid, a tetrahedron, a triangular prism, or any three dimensional structure having one or more curved faces.
  • a payload container such as the payload container described in any' of the embodiments above comprise, an outer wall surrounding a chamber, the outer wall having a first end and a second end, at least one of the first end and the second end configured to receive a case that comprises a battery pack for providing a power source for the U AV, a first electrical lead configured to connect to the batteiy' pack, and a second electrical lead configured to connect to a power distribution board of the UAV.
  • these and other embodiments, as described herein improve the way UAVs or devices within the UAVs or containers or cases within the UAVs operate in terms of computer resource consumption (e.g., power, CPU, memory, I/O, network latency) and efficiency.
  • the outer wall is cylindrical.
  • the battery' pack is rechargeable.
  • the first electrical lead and the second electrical lead are metal pads and configured to electrically connect to a wire extending out of the payload container.
  • the front end is a closed end and the rear end is an open end, wherein the rear end is configured to receive the case.
  • the first electrical lead is configured to communicate with a power distribution board of the UAV and the second electrical lead is configured to communicate with a power distribution board of the UAV.
  • the wire connected to the first electri cal lead protrudes through a bumper and the wire connected to the second electrical lead protrudes through a clamp.
  • a UAV such as the UAV described in any of the embodiments above comprise, a payload container.
  • the payload container comprises a case for carrying loads by UAV.
  • the case comprises a battery pack, wherein when the case is secured to the UAV, the battery pack is configured to provide a power source for the UAV.
  • the payload container further comprises an outer wall surrounding a chamber, the payload container has a front end and a rear end, at least one of the front end and the second end is configured to receive the case.
  • the payload container further comprises a first electrical lead configured to connect to the battery pack.
  • the payload container further comprises a second electrical lead configured to connect to a power distribution board of the UAV.
  • these and other embodiments improve the way UAVs or devices within the UAVs or containers or cases within the UAVs operate in terms of computer resource consumption (e.g., power, CPU, memory, I/O, network latency) and efficiency.
  • computer resource consumption e.g., power, CPU, memory, I/O, network latency
  • Embodiments described above may be combined with one or more of the specifically described alternatives.
  • an embodiment that is claimed may contain a reference, in the alternative, to more than one oilier embodiment.
  • the embodiment that is claimed may specify a further limitation of the subject matter claimed.
  • words such as “a” and “an,” unless otherwise indicated to the contrary, include the plural as well as the singular. Thus, for example, the constraint of “a feature” is satisfied where one or more features are present.
  • the term “or” includes the conjunctive, the disjunctive, and both (a or b thus includes either a or b, as well as a and b).
  • the term “about” is used to connote ⁇ 10%, unless otherwise stated. For instance, about 2 is intended to mean 2 ⁇ 10%, or more precisely a value equal to or between 1.8 and 2.2.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Battery Mounting, Suspending (AREA)
  • Charge And Discharge Circuits For Batteries Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un boîtier de transport de charges par un véhicule aérien sans pilote (UAV) comprenant une première extrémité comportant un premier capuchon et une première ouverture et une seconde extrémité comportant un second capuchon et une seconde ouverture, la seconde ouverture étant plus petite que la première ouverture. Le boîtier comprend également un bloc-batterie rechargeable qui, lorsque le boîtier est fixé à l'UAV, est conçu pour fournir une source de puissance à l'UAV et le premier capuchon ainsi que le second capuchon comprenant chacun au moins un connecteur métallique de fourniture de puissance à l'UAV.
PCT/US2022/023994 2021-08-26 2022-04-08 Contenant de charge utile avec alimentation électrique de systèmes sans pilote WO2023027773A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA3227893A CA3227893A1 (fr) 2021-08-26 2022-04-08 Contenant de charge utile avec alimentation electrique de systemes sans pilote

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US202163237392P 2021-08-26 2021-08-26
US63/237,392 2021-08-26
US17/712,451 2022-04-04
US17/712,451 US20220320669A1 (en) 2021-04-06 2022-04-04 Payload container with power supply for unmanned systems

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WO2023027773A1 true WO2023027773A1 (fr) 2023-03-02

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2868577A1 (fr) * 2013-10-31 2015-05-06 Rigas Tehniska Universitate Avion commandable à distance adapté pour un atterrissage sur le ventre
US20180105063A1 (en) * 2015-09-19 2018-04-19 Ningbo Wise Digital Technology Co., Ltd Container comprising a battery, transportation system comprising the same and method thereof
US20180265222A1 (en) * 2015-12-07 2018-09-20 Kunio Takagi Transport system using unmanned aerial vehicle
FR3075170A1 (fr) * 2017-12-20 2019-06-21 Airbus Helicopters Systeme d'emport de charge pour drone de drone
WO2021101735A1 (fr) * 2019-11-21 2021-05-27 Electric Power Systems, Inc. Ensemble pile intégré à un contenant

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2868577A1 (fr) * 2013-10-31 2015-05-06 Rigas Tehniska Universitate Avion commandable à distance adapté pour un atterrissage sur le ventre
US20180105063A1 (en) * 2015-09-19 2018-04-19 Ningbo Wise Digital Technology Co., Ltd Container comprising a battery, transportation system comprising the same and method thereof
US20180265222A1 (en) * 2015-12-07 2018-09-20 Kunio Takagi Transport system using unmanned aerial vehicle
FR3075170A1 (fr) * 2017-12-20 2019-06-21 Airbus Helicopters Systeme d'emport de charge pour drone de drone
WO2021101735A1 (fr) * 2019-11-21 2021-05-27 Electric Power Systems, Inc. Ensemble pile intégré à un contenant

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