Payload-release device and operation thereof

摘要

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is disclosed that includes a retractable payload delivery system. The payload delivery system can lower a payload to the ground using a delivery device that secures the payload during descent and releases the payload upon reaching the ground. The delivery device can include a channel in which a payload mount attachment for a payload can be inserted. The payload mount attachment can include an aperture for receiving a retaining rod to secure the attachment, and thus the payload, to the delivery device. The retaining rod can assume either an engaged position, in which a portion of the retaining rod engages the payload mount attachment while the payload mount attachment is inserted in the channel, or a disengaged position, in which the retaining rod does not engage the payload mount attachment.

主权项

1. A delivery device comprising:
a housing including: (i) a channel configured to receive a payload mount attachment of a payload, and (ii) a tether anchor configured to couple the housing to a tether operable to suspend the housing via the tether; a retaining rod coupled to the housing, wherein the retaining rod is configured to be positioned in: (i) a first position in which a portion of the retaining rod engages the payload mount attachment when the payload mount attachment is inserted in the channel, and (ii) a second position in which the retaining rod does not engage the payload mount attachment; a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon; and a processor operable to execute the program instructions to:
(i) during a delivery operation in which the delivery device is lowered to the ground via the tether, position the retaining rod in the first position to engage the payload mount attachment and secure the payload to the delivery device;(ii) determine that the delivery device is at or near the ground; and(iii) in response to determining that the delivery device is at or near the ground, move the retaining rod from the first position to the second position such that the payload is released from the delivery device.