Winch delivery system
AssigneeFlyby Robotics, Inc.
InventorsJason Huishen Lu, Xuan-Truc Nguyen, Gursimran Bains, Ryan Des Cotes, Joseph Luc Boucher, Max Green
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present specification provides a device and method for controlling a winch parcel delivery system through an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) or drone. The example apparatus contemplates the use of a winch that will attach to a hook with active and passive release mechanisms through a winch line. The apparatus is enabled to attach to a parachute recovery system. The apparatus can detect when the ground has been reached to enable safe delivery of parcels. The apparatus can removably attach to various types of drones.
Claims12
A winch delivery system for connection to an underside of a drone, the winch delivery system comprising:
- a housing including a control unit and an attachment mechanism for connection to the drone;
- a motor within the housing for generating a rotational force at first speed;
- a gear assembly within the housing connected to the motor for translating the first speed into a second speed lower than the first speed;
- a reciprocating screw within the housing connected to the motor via the gear structure for rotation at the second speed;
- a spool in direct rotational communication with the motor for rotation at the first speed;
- a winch line with a first end and a second end;
- the first end connected to the spool for winding the winch line evenly around the spool as guided by the reciprocating screw;
- the second end extending from the housing and for connecting to a payload;
- a hook assembly connected to the second end of the winch line, the hook assembly including a jaw for releasably carrying a parcel;
- a solenoid pin in a slider for locking and releasing the hook assembly;
- and,
- a glow wire embedded in the slider, wherein the control unit allows the glow wire to burn and cuts the line in the event of malfunction.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.