Patent ID: 12252251

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is important to note that the embodiments disclosed herein are only examples of the many advantageous uses of the innovative teachings herein. In general, statements made in the specification of the present application do not necessarily limit any of the various claimed embodiments. Moreover, some statements may apply to some inventive features but not to others. In general, unless otherwise indicated, singular elements may be in plural and vice versa with no loss of generality. In the drawings, like numerals refer to like parts through several views.

The various disclosed embodiments include an apparatus which performs efficient payload release from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), also referred to as a drone. In an embodiment, the payload release apparatus includes a tether attached to a hook, the hook having an elastic member, such that the elastic member is extended between a point on the hook and a point on a shank of the hook.

In certain embodiments, a payload includes a handle which is affixed to the hook, such that the handle is resting in a gap of the hook. In an embodiment, the gap is defined between the point of the hook and a point of the shank. In some embodiments, the portion of the hook between the point of the hook and the point of the shank is referred to as a bend.

In some embodiments, the payload handle resting on the hook bend (i.e., within the gap) causes tension on the elastic member. The force generated by gravity based on the mass of the payload causes tension to remain on the elastic member. Once the payload touches the ground (or other surface) and a normal force is applied to the payload (i.e., the force of gravity is balanced out), the mass based force (i.e., gravity) is negated and the elastic member contracts, expelling the payload handle out from the hook. Thus, the payload is immediately released and the elastic member expels the handle and prevents an undesired coupling.

This is advantageous as it eliminates the need for intervention when disengaging the hook, and therefore the drone, from the payload. Furthermore, a gravity based solution does not require use of sensors (e.g., to sense when a payload is on the ground), and therefore uses less power, allowing more power to be utilized by the drone, UAV, and the like, for the purpose of flying, thereby increasing the vehicle's ability to maneuver between locations.

FIG.1is an example diagram of a front isometric view of a payload release apparatus100, implemented in accordance with an embodiment. The payload release apparatus100includes a hook portion and a top portion, disposed over the hook portion. The top portion receives a tether from a drone (or a winch), as illustrated in the example embodiments below.

In an embodiment, the hook includes a curved surface having a vertex310(i.e., the lowest point of the curved surface of the hook). In some embodiments, the curved surface is referred to as a bend. The curved surface has an inner portion106and an outer portion107. A payload having a handle may be affixed to the hook100, such that a handle of the payload rests substantially on the inner portion106of the vertex310.

The hook further includes an opening103through which a handle of a payload may be received. The opening103(also referred to as a “gap”) is defined between a high point112of the hook, which is taller than the inner portion106of the vertex310, and the top portion.

In an embodiment, the hook includes a first anchor101and a second anchor102. In an embodiment, an elastic member is affixed to the first anchor101at one end of the elastic member, and to the second anchor102at a second end of the elastic member.

In some embodiments, the first anchor101and second anchor102are each an opening to a channel through which an elastic member may be threaded. For example, in an embodiment, an elastic member is threaded through the second anchor102to the first anchor, and into a channel defined by an opening of the first anchor101and a first opening104.

In certain embodiments, the elastic member is, for example, a rubber band, a bungee cord, an elastic cord, a knitted elastic cord, a braided elastic cord, a combination thereof, and the like. In some embodiments, the elastic member, discussed in more detail below, is in a relaxed state, or a stretched state. In an embodiment, the relaxed state includes a first level of elastic deformity, while the stretched state includes a second level of elastic deformity which is greater than the first level of elastic deformity. For example, in an embodiment, the first level of elastic deformity includes no, or substantially no, elastic deformity (i.e., the elastic member is not stretched), and the second level of elastic deformity is achieved by stretching the elastic member so that the length of elastic member in the second level of elastic deformity is greater than the length of the elastic member in the first level of elastic deformity.

In some embodiments, the hook includes an opening105at a top portion, through which a tether is optionally affixed into the top portion. For example, in an embodiment, the opening105includes an eye, eyelet, and the like, to which a tether is optionally affixed. The opening105is discussed in more detail below.

In an embodiment, a slit108(also referred to as a channel) is defined between a top portion of the hook, and the top portion of the payload release apparatus100. In some embodiments, the slit108is utilized for example for storing the payload release apparatus100in a housing, to prevent movement of the payload release apparatus100during transit. In some embodiments, the slit108extends around the entire payload release apparatus100, or a portion thereof. In some embodiments, a plurality of slits may be utilized. In certain embodiments, a slit includes a channel, a depression, and the like, into which an extending member of a housing can protrude to affix the payload release apparatus to the housing.

FIG.2is an example diagram of a back isometric view of the payload release apparatus100, implemented in accordance with an embodiment. In an embodiment, the portion of the payload release apparatus100includes an opening109, through which a tether is threaded to affix the payload release apparatus100to a first end of a tether. In an embodiment, a second end of the tether is connected to a UAV, drone, and the like.

In an embodiment, a channel is defined between the opening109and the opening105, shown in greater detail below. In an embodiment, the opening109is configured to connect to a tether. For example, in some embodiments, the opening109includes a connector which is configured to accept a connection from a tether (such as discussed in more detail below). In some embodiments, the channel is fully enclosed (other than a first opening and a second opening). In another embodiment, the channel is partially enclosed.

In an embodiment, a slit108which is defined between the top portion of the payload release apparatus (PRA) and the hook portion of the PRA, has a depth111. In some embodiments, the depth may be defined by an outer perimeter, and an inner perimeter.

In certain embodiments, a back of the hook portion (i.e., the shank), which is disposed opposite to the high point112, may include an opening110, such that a channel is defined between the opening110and an opening of the anchor102.

FIG.3is an example diagram of a side view of the payload release apparatus100, implemented in accordance with an embodiment. In certain embodiments, the hook portion of the PRA100includes a gap103, which is defined between the high point112and the anchor102. In an embodiment, the gap103is opposite to the shank119, which is the back of the hook portion. In an embodiment, the gap103is defined between the high point112and another point on an inner surface of the shank119, wherein the inner surface of the shank119is connected to the inner portion106of the vertex.

In certain embodiments, an elastic member120is position to block the gap103, partially, fully, and the like. In an embodiment, the elastic member120is affixed between two points which define the gap103. In certain embodiments, a plurality of elastic members are utilized. In an embodiment, the elastic member120is in a relaxed state (or relaxed position), initially positioned to block the gap103. In an embodiment, in order to be caught on the hook, a loop (e.g., a handle of a payload) must apply sufficient force in order to elastically deform the elastic member120to a stretched state (or stretched position), so that the handle, loop, and the like, can come into contact with the inner portion106of the vertex.

Reference is now made toFIGS.4A through4E.FIG.4Ais an example diagram of a cross section view of the payload release apparatus (PRA)400, implemented in accordance with an embodiment.FIG.4Bis an example diagram of a cross section view of the payload release apparatus400having an elastic member120positioned therein in a relaxed state, implemented in accordance with an embodiment.FIG.4Cis an example diagram of a cross section view of the payload release apparatus400with the elastic member120in a stretched state, implemented in accordance with an embodiment.FIG.4Dis an example diagram of a cross section view of the payload release apparatus400with a tether connection in a first position, implemented in accordance with an embodiment.FIG.4Eis an example diagram of a cross section view of the payload release apparatus400with a tether connection in a second position, implemented in accordance with an embodiment.

In some embodiments, the tether connection includes a tether125and a stopper122. In an embodiment, the tether125is a chord, a rope, combinations thereof, and the like.

In some embodiments, a first channel410is defined between an opening of the anchor102and the opening105. In an embodiment, the first channel410is defined between the opening of the anchor102and a top back opening110, wherein the top back opening110is on an outer surface of the shank119. In an embodiment, a secondary first channel405is defined between the opening105and the top back opening110.

In some embodiments, a second channel420is defined between the top back opening110and a bottom back opening113. In certain embodiments, a third channel430is defined between a bottom front opening114and an opening of the anchor101. This allows, in an embodiment, threading an elastic member120through the PRA400, resulting in the elastic member120blocking the gap103, partially, substantially, fully, and the like.

In an embodiment, where the elastic member120is in a stretched position, a portion115of the elastic member120will be in closer proximity to the inner portion106of the vertex of the hook. For example, in an embodiment, the portion115of the elastic member120is a portion of the elastic member120which is in contact with a loop (e.g., a handle) which is affixed to the payload.

In some embodiments, a tether125is threaded through the opening109of the top portion of the PRA, through a chamber116to the opening105. In an embodiment, a channel defined between the opening109and the chamber116has a first width, and the chamber has a width at a portion of the chamber which is larger than the width of the channel. In certain embodiments, the width of the chamber116is equal to, smaller than, and the like, the width of the opening105.

In an embodiment, the tether125is connected to a stopper122at a first end, and the tether125is coupled to a UAV at a second end of the tether125. In some embodiments, the tether125is connected to the drone via a winch (i.e., the tether125is connected to the winch, and the winch is connected to, or is a part of, the UAV). In an embodiment, the stopper122and the chamber116connect the tether to the PRA, thereby forming a connector.

In an embodiment, the stopper122has a cross section which is substantially equal in shape to a cross section of the chamber116. In certain embodiments, the stopper120has a substantially trapezoid cross section, corresponding to a substantially trapezoid cross section of the chamber116. In such embodiments, a bottom side of the stopper122is wider than a top side of the stopper122. Thus, when a force is applied on the tether in the direction of the winch, the stopper122is pressure fit into the chamber116.

FIG.5Ais an example diagram of a payload release apparatus500hooked to a payload140, implemented in accordance with an embodiment. In some embodiments, the PRA500is connected to a tether125, the tether125further connected to an unmanned aerial vehicle.

In an embodiment, a payload140includes a payload handle141. In certain embodiments, the payload handle141includes a loop, a plurality of loops, and the like, which are utilized to hook onto the PRA500. For example, according to an embodiment, the handle141applies pressure to the elastic member120, resulting in an elastic deformation which allows the handle141to hook onto the PRA500.

In certain embodiments, the elastic deformation of the elastic member120remains while the payload140is suspended in the air, as the force generated by the mass of the payload is greater than the force required to negate the elastic deformation. Once the payload touches the ground, the normal force negates the mass of the payload, according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, as the only mass which generates force on the elastic member is now a result of the weight of the handle141, the elastic member120contracts into the relaxed state, thereby expelling the handle141from the PRA500.

FIG.5Bis an example diagram of a payload release apparatus500after decoupling from a payload140, implemented in accordance with an embodiment. The elastic member120of the PRA500expels the handle141of the payload140once the payload140touches the ground. This is advantageous as it ensures that the payload is no longer connected to the PRA500, therefore not connected to the tether, and thus not connected to the drone.

According to an embodiment, this allows the drone to expediently deliver a payload while ensuring its detachment. In an embodiment, a UAV is equipped with an optical distance measuring device, such as a laser distance measurer. A control circuitry of the UAV is configured, according to an embodiment, to determine an amount of tether which should be released by the UAV based on a measurement of the laser distance measurer.

For example, in an embodiment the control circuitry is configured to determine how much tether is released as a function of a speed at which a winch spins. In an embodiment, the speed of a winch is determined, for example, by detecting a voltage applied to a motor coupled with the winch.

FIG.6is an example of a payload release apparatus half600, implemented in accordance with an embodiment. Certain embodiments of the PRA include a plane of symmetry. In some embodiments, manufacturing a PRA is performed by manufacturing two parts which have a mirror symmetry, inserting an elastic member at least at the first anchor101and second anchor102, and coupling the two parts together. The PRA half600is aligned with a mirror PRA half, for example at the shank610, according to an embodiment.

FIG.7is an example of a mirror payload release apparatus half700, implemented in accordance with an embodiment. In certain embodiments, the PRA half600and the mirror PRA half700each have slits, so that when the PRA half600and the mirror PRA half700are coupled, each slit and mirror slit are combined to create a channel through which an elastic member may be inserted. In an embodiment, manufacturing a PRA as a pair of components may be advantageous, for example as it allows to manufacture the PRA by utilizing injection molding techniques. Such techniques are not suited for manufacturing hollow channels, such as illustrated in the embodiments above. For the embodiments described above, additive manufacturing techniques, such as3D printing, may be more suited. However, where such techniques are more expensive when scale of production is required, therefore, injection molding manufacturing may present a cheaper alternative for some embodiments.

FIG.8is an example diagram of an uncoupled payload release apparatus, implemented in accordance with an embodiment. The PRA half600and the mirror PRA half700are connected along the shank, for example by a thin plastic layer, which is plastically deformed when coupling the two halves, according to an embodiment.

In an embodiment, the shank includes a plurality of connections, such as connection801at the top portion of the PRA, connection802at a top portion of the shank, and connection803at a bottom portion of the shank. A PRA manufactured in this way is easier to assemble as the parts are already connected at least on one end, therefore coupling involves applying the plastic deformity, in an embodiment. Optionally, the coupling is performed using an adhesive, a mechanical fastener, a combination thereof, and the like.

FIG.9is an example diagram of a cross section side view of a payload release apparatus910in a housing920, implemented in accordance with an embodiment. A payload release apparatus (PRA)910includes a slit908, which is similar to the slit108ofFIG.1above, according to an embodiment.

In an embodiment, the PRA910further includes a weighted portion912. The weighted portion includes a material which is different in composition than a material which is used for the PRA910, according to an embodiment. For example, in an embodiment, the PRA910is manufactured utilizing polylactic acid (PLA) plastic, and the weighted portion912includes an iron core. In an embodiment, the weighted portion is ferromagnetic, non-magnetic, and the like.

In an embodiment, the housing920includes a hollow portion defined by a surface930, which is compatible for receiving therein the PRA910. According to an embodiment, the surface930includes a perforation915, through which a stopper is put in place occupying the perforation915and at least a portion of the slit908, so that the PRA910cannot exit the hollow portion. In an embodiment, the stopper is moved through the perforation915, for example by an actuator (not shown), a spring, and the like, so that the stopper at least partially protrudes into the slit908.

As used herein a channel is a hollow portion defined by a first opening and a second opening, unless stated otherwise.

All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the disclosed embodiment and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the disclosed embodiments, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future, i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure.

It should be understood that any reference to an element herein using a designation such as “first,” “second,” and so forth does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. Rather, these designations are generally used herein as a convenient method of distinguishing between two or more elements or instances of an element. Thus, a reference to first and second elements does not mean that only two elements may be employed there or that the first element must precede the second element in some manner. Also, unless stated otherwise, a set of elements comprises one or more elements.

As used herein, the phrase “at least one of” followed by a listing of items means that any of the listed items can be utilized individually, or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be utilized. For example, if a system is described as including “at least one of A, B, and C,” the system can include A alone; B alone; C alone;2A;2B;2C;3A; A and B in combination; B and C in combination; A and C in combination; A, B, and C in combination;2A and C in combination; A,3B, and2C in combination; and the like.