Autonomous package storage and retrieval system using a drone
AssigneeLaitram, L.L.C.
InventorsBryant G. Ragan, Mark Costanzo, Matthew A. Lignieres
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A package delivery drone comprises at least one propeller for generating lift and an article containment area for containing an article to be carried by the drone. The floor of the article containment area comprises a dynamic support surface for supporting the article and allowing the article to move into, out of and through the article containment area. The package delivery drone interfaces with a docking station having a shelf for exchanging packages with the drone.
Claims15
A system for storing and retrieving packages, comprising:
- a drone having a frame, at least one propeller for generating aerodynamic lift, an article containment area having a bottom formed by a dynamic support surface, a first coupling element above the article containment area and docking cones extending from an end of the article containment area;
- and
- a docking station for the drone, comprising a shelf for a package, a second coupling element for mating with the first coupling element and allowing pivoting of the drone about the second coupling element, the docking station further including receptacles in the shelf for receiving the docking cones, such that the dynamic support surface of the article containment area aligns with the shelf.
A method of docking a drone at a docking station having a shelf and receptacles formed in the shelf for package exchange, comprising the steps of:
- approaching a first coupling element at the docking station, wherein the first coupling element is above the shelf;
- guiding a second coupling element on the drone into the first coupling element at the docking station, wherein the drone includes an article containment area and docking cones, and the second coupling element is above the article containment area;
- and
- aligning an article containment area of the drone with a shelf at the docking station by first pivoting the drone down about the first coupling element and then inserting docking cones in the receptacles formed in the shelf.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.