Winch delivery system
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.
1. 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.
2. The winch delivery system of claim 1 further comprising a slider for reciprocating along the length of the reciprocating screw; the slider having a channel for guiding the line along the length of the spool during winding.
3. The winch delivery system of claim 1 further comprising a control unit for detecting altitude.
4. The winch delivery system of claim 1 , wherein the mass of the winch delivery system is about 400 grams to about 440 grams.
5. The winch delivery system of claim 1 , wherein the mass of the motor is between about 95 grams to about 145 grams.
6. The winch delivery system of claim 1 , wherein the hook assembly further includes a servo lock which disengages when the control unit detects that ground has almost been reached.
7. The winch delivery system of claim 6 , further comprising a latch that pivots when the servo lock disengages.
8. The winch delivery system of claim 1 , further comprising a cylindrical magnet on the slider to detect when the hook assembly is near the winch.
9. The winch delivery system of claim 1 further comprising a hook bell having a conical shape to allow the hook bell to be locked against the solenoid pin in the slider.
10. The winch delivery system of claim 9 , wherein the hook bell is attached to a circuit that detects the magnetic field of a magnet on the slider.
11. The winch delivery system of claim 1 , wherein the hook assembly further comprises a rotating jaw with an embedded magnet and a hook electronics board with an inertial measurement unit.
12. The winch delivery system of claim 1 , wherein the spool is interchangeable.