Aerial package delivery system
AssigneeAmazon Technologies, Inc.
InventorJon T. Hanlon
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Systems and methods for delivering packages via aerial vehicles are disclosed. The system can comprise a label that includes a parachute to enable the packages to be dropped from the aerial vehicle, yet land at the package's destination without damage. The system can include a self-adhesive backing, a plurality of parachute cords, a parachute, and a breakaway cover. The parachute cords can include a shock absorber to reduce the shock on the package of the parachute opening. The parachute and/or the breakaway cover can include graphics to provide address, velocity, or spin information for the package. The parachute cords can include a harness to separate the cords and reduce tangling of the cords and spinning of the parachute canopy with respect to the package.
Claims20
A method comprising:
- receiving, at an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a package to deliver to a delivery location, the package including a shipping label parachute system comprising a backing sheet, a parachute canopy, a plurality of parachute cords, and a transparent breakaway cover;
- receiving, from a central control at the UAV, the delivery location at an onboard navigation of the UAV;
- determining, with the onboard navigation, that the UAV has arrived at the delivery location;
- activating a sensor system on the UAV to record at least a portion of a descent of the package from the UAV to a ground level;
- and
- releasing the package from the UAV;
- wherein the parachute canopy comprises one or more identifying features printed on the parachute canopy;
- and
- wherein at least one of the one or more identifying features is visible through the transparent breakaway cover in a stowed position.
A method comprising:
- receiving, at an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a package to deliver to a delivery location, the package including a shipping label parachute system comprising a backing sheet, a parachute canopy, a plurality of parachute cords, and a breakaway cover;
- receiving, from a central control at the UAV, the delivery location at an onboard navigation of the UAV;
- determining, with the onboard navigation, that the UAV has arrived at the delivery location;
- activating a sensor system on the UAV to record at least a portion of a descent of the package from the UAV to a ground level;
- and
- releasing the package from the UAV;
- wherein the parachute canopy comprises one or more patterns to enable the sensor system to detect at least one of a spin rate or a descent rate of the package.
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) comprising:
- a transceiver to send and receive at least one of wired transmissions or wireless transmissions;
- an onboard navigation system;
- a processor to enable the UAV to receive instructions from a central control and travel from a pick-up location to a delivery location;
- a propulsion system to enable the UAV to travel from the pick-up location to the delivery location;
- and
- memory including computer-executable instructions to cause the processor to:
- receive, at the UAV, a package to deliver to the delivery location, the package including a shipping label parachute system comprising a parachute canopy, a plurality of parachute cords, and a breakaway cover;
- receive, from the central control at the transceiver, the delivery location;
- navigate, with the onboard navigation system and the propulsion system, from the pick-up location to the delivery location;
- determine, with the onboard navigation system, that the UAV has arrived at the delivery location;
- activate a sensor system on the UAV to record at least a portion of a descent of the package from the UAV to a ground level;
- and
- release the package from the UAV;
- wherein the parachute canopy comprises one or more patterns to enable the sensor system to detect at least one of a spin rate or a descent rate of the package.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.