Field

The present invention relates to a system for transporting a payload by unmanned aerial vehicle and to an unmanned aerial vehicle comprising such a system. In particular, the present invention relates to a system for delivering, by unmanned aerial vehicle, a package to a user and for receiving said package back from said user for transportation back to a certain destination. The package suitably contains a biological testing or sampling kit for a user to carry out a biological test or to obtain a biological sample and then return the test or the sample to the package for transportation back to an appropriate facility by the unmanned aerial vehicle.

Background

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), otherwise known as drones, have been adapted to deliver packages in a variety of different situations. In particular, the utility of multirotor type UAVs in providing postal services to customers has been investigated by several logistics organisations. Typically such multirotor type UAVs have been adapted to carry packages beneath the main body of the UAV, for example by grasping the package between suitable carrying arms. This mode of carrying packages on UAVs facilitates the dropping off of a package by the UAV at a desired destination, as when the UAV lands at the destination, the package is close to or in contact with the ground and can be safely and easily released by the carrying arms of the UAV to place the package on the ground and allow the UAV fly off again, leaving the package behind. This delivery method does not require the user (a receiver of the package) to interact with or get close to the UAV. All that is required of the user is to pick up the package when the UAV has left the delivery destination. This mode of carrying packages beneath the main body of the UAV is generally considered to be the most beneficial for maintaining acceptable flight characteristics of the UAV, particularly when carrying a relatively heavy payload (e.g. 500 g or above).

Summary of the Invention

It is one aim of the present invention, amongst others, to provide an unmanned aerial vehicle and/or a payload carrying system for mounting on an unmanned aerial vehicle that addresses at least one disadvantage of the prior art, whether identified here or elsewhere, or to provide an alternative to existing UAVs and payload carriers. For instance, it may be an aim of the present invention to facilitate the use of UAVs in delivery situations different from those described above, specifically in situations wherein a target user is required to interact with the UAV. It may be necessary for a target user to interact with a UAV if the UAV is to receive a payload from the target user, possibly in addition to the target user receiving a payload from the UAV. One such situation is the delivery of a biological test or sampling kit to a user in order for the user to carry out a biological test and/or take a biological sample and then return the biological test kit or sample to the UAV for transport to an appropriate facility for testing / analysis. This situation may arise if a subject is suspected of having an infectious disease and therefore has to minimise or eliminate all contact with other people in order to hinder the spread of the infectious disease. Using a UAV in this situation allows the subject to be tested for the infectious disease without having to leave their home and without another person having to come into close contact with the subject, which would risk further spreading the infectious disease.

It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide an aerial delivery system which may facilitate the retrieval of a payload from a UAV by a target user and/or facilitate the placement of a payload on a UAV by the target user. According to aspects of the present invention, there is provided an unmanned aerial vehicle, a payload carrying system and a method of transporting a payload as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an unmanned aerial vehicle comprising a payload carrier; wherein the payload carrier is mounted above a main body of the unmanned aerial vehicle.

A UAV may be considered to have a lower region facing the ground and an upper region facing away from the ground, in normal usage of the UAV. The payload carrier being mounted above the main body of the UAV means that the payload carrier is in an upper region of the UAV. The designations of the “upper region”, “lower region” and “above the main body” of the UAV are in the reference to the intended orientation of the UAV in normal usage, throughout the operations of loading the UAV with a payload, flying the UAV to a target destination, unloading the payload from the UAV and loading a payload back onto the UAV. For the avoidance of doubt, the part of the UAV designated as the “upper region” and “above the main body” is the part facing away from the ground in normal usage of the UAV. It is not expected that the UAVs to which the present invention relates would change the orientation of the upper and lower regions of the UAV during any of these operations.

Suitably the payload carrier is arranged on and attached to the main body of the UAV, for example in contact with or proximate to an upper surface of the main body of the UAV, which faces away from the ground in normal usage as discussed above. UAVs such as multi-rotor UAVs comprise a main body which typically houses the battery for powering the UAV and various mechanical and electrical systems for controlling and operating the UAV. The main body of such UAVs typically has a rigid outer casing enclosing the aforementioned parts. When the main body of the UAV is referred to herein, it is intended to refer to the rigid casing and the aforementioned parts within. The main body of such UAVs is typically approximately central on the UAV. The payload carrier being mounted above the main body of the UAV suitably allows the payload carrier to be accessible from above the UAV. Suitably the payload carrier can be considered to be facing upwards, with respect to the UAV’s orientation in normal usage.

The inventors have found that providing a payload carrier above the main body of the UAV, or mounted on an upper surface of the main body of the UAV, can provide a UAV which facilitates a user interacting with the payload carrier. Arranging the payload carrier in this position on the UAV makes the payload carrier more accessible for a user than known UAV delivery systems which comprise payload carriers on the underside / lower region of a UAV. A target user would find it difficult to access the payload carrier of such known UAV delivery system located on the underside of such a UAV, if the user had to manually retrieve a payload item, such as a package, from the payload carrier and especially if a user had to place a payload item into the payload carrier on the underside of the UAV. In particular, wherein the UAV is a multirotor type UAV, this accessing of the underside of the UAV may present a risk of injury to the user from the rotors and may risk the user damaging the UAV. In the present invention wherein the payload carrier is arranged above the main body of the UAV, the payload carrier is more accessible for a user to retrieve a payload item from the payload carrier and/or to place a payload item into the payload carrier. This may provide a significant advantage in user compliance, convenience and safety in situations where the payload item in question is not simply left in a delivery location for a user to pick up after the UAV has left the delivery location. These advantages may be particularly important wherein the target user has poor mobility, for example due to age or illness.

One such situation where the present invention may be advantageous is where the UAV is delivering a biological test or sampling kit to a subject at a delivery location for the subject to retrieve the kit from the UAV, carry out the test or obtain the required biological sample while the UAV remains at the delivery location, and then replace the used kit (containing the test or the sample) into the UAV for transportation to a suitable facility, ultimately for analysis of the test/sample. The UAV of the present invention can therefore provide and facilitate a remote method of delivering a test or sampling kit to a user and receiving a sample or a completed test kit from said user without requiring a human element in the delivery and collection of the kit and without requiring the user to leave the delivery location, such as their home. This may be particularly useful if the user is suspected of having an infectious disease and therefore has to minimise or eliminate all contact with other people and all travel in order to hinder the further spread of the infectious disease. The UAV of the present invention may therefore facilitate testing of subjects for an infectious disease without risking the further spread of the infectious disease, and may therefore contribute to tackling infectious diseases, particularly during severe outbreaks such as global pandemics.

Suitably the payload carrier is arranged at least partially above the other parts of the UAV besides the main body, for example at least partially above the rotors wherein the UAV is a multirotor UAV. Suitably the payload carrier comprises a top part which is above the other parts of the UAV, suitably above the rotors of a multirotor UAV.

Suitably the payload carrier comprises a storage volume for receiving and retaining a payload item or items. Suitably the payload carrier is arranged so that the storage volume is at least partially above the other parts of the UAV besides the main body, for example at least partially above the rotors wherein the UAV is a multirotor UAV. Suitably the payload carrier is arranged so that the storage volume is entirely above all parts of the UAV. For example, the payload carrier may be mounted on an upper surface of the main body of the UAV with the storage volume above the upper surface of the main body. The payload carrier being so arranged may facilitate access to the storage volume by minimising hinderance to a user from the other parts of the UAV, such as the rotors of a multirotor type UAV.

The payload carrier at least partially encloses and defines the storage volume. Suitably the payload carrier of the UAV comprises a base and a plurality of retaining arms for receiving and retaining a payload. Suitably the base and the plurality of retaining arms define the storage volume.

Suitably the payload carrier comprises at least four retaining arms. Suitably the at least four retaining arms are configured to define an approximately cubic or cuboid-shaped storage volume. Suitably the at least four retaining arms are arranged at four corners of the cubic or cuboid-shaped storage volume.

Suitably the payload carrier has a substantially open upper face, suitably an open upper face.

Suitably the base and the at least four retaining arms are configured to provide a substantially cubic or cuboid-shaped storage volume having a substantially open upper face. The payload carrier may therefore be considered to have an open-topped cage or a cradle formed of the base and the at least four retaining arms which define the storage volume.

Suitably the base and the least four retaining arms are configured to closely fit a certain package size having a cubic or cuboid-shape, for example a package which is intended to carry a biological testing or sampling kit. Therefore the base and the least four retaining arms of the payload carrier are configured to provide a cubic or cuboid-shaped storage volume which is easily accessible from above the UAV (in normal usage) and which can closely fit a cubic or cuboid shaped package placed into the storage volume of the payload carrier from above. The retaining arms of the payload carrier may be adjustable to allow the payload carrier to accommodate different sized and/or shaped payloads. For example, at least some of the retaining arms of the payload carrier may be connected to a telescopic part to allow adjustment of the position of the retaining arms and therefore adjustment of the size of the storage volume. Suitably each of the retaining arms are adjustable. Suitably each of the retaining arms are connected to a telescopic part to allow adjustment of the position of the retaining arms.

Suitably the payload carrier comprises a fastener for securing a payload in the payload carrier. A suitable fastener may be a strap or an elasticated band. Such a strap or elasticated band may be tethered to at least one of the retaining arms of the payload carrier, suitably tethered to two or at least two of the retaining arms of the payload carrier. The strap or elasticated band may comprise a releasable clasp or a hook and eye fastener for doing up and undoing the strap or elasticated band. When in place, the strap or elasticated band suitably extends across the upper face of the payload carrier to retain a payload in the storage volume of the payload carrier.

Alternatively, the fastener may be provided by a hook or an eye strip, suitably arranged on an upper surface of the base of the payload carrier, for use with a complementary hook or eye strip arranged on said payload. In such embodiments, the payload carrier may additionally be provided with a strap or elasticated band as described above. Alternatively, the upper face of the payload carrier may remain open and the retention of a payload in the payload carrier may just rely on the hook and eye fastener arrangement.

Suitably the payload carrier is attached to the UAV by a harness. Suitably the UAV comprises a harness fitted around the main body of the UAV; wherein the payload carrier is attached to the harness. The harness and the payload carrier together may be considered to form a payload carrying system. Suitably the payload carrier can be attached and detached from the harness by a user. Therefore the payload carrier is suitably releasably attached to the harness.

Suitably the harness and the payload carrier comprise complementary attachment portions which co-operate to releasably connect the payload carrier to the harness, and therefore to the UAV. Suitably the attachment portion of the payload carrier is arranged at or underneath the base of the payload carrier. Suitably the attachment portion of the harness is arranged on an upper region of the harness, on or above the upper surface of the main body of the UAV. The complementary attachment portions of the harness and the payload carrier facilitate the attachment and detachment of the payload carrier to and from the harness. In some embodiments, the attachment portion of the payload carrier comprises at least one slot and the attachment portion of the harness comprises at least one tab for inserting into the at least one slot to retain the tab in the slot and therefore retain the payload carrier on the harness. Suitably the attachment portion of the payload carrier comprises two or at least two slots and the attachment portion of the harness comprises two or at least two tabs for inserting into the two or at least two slots to retain the tabs in the slots and therefore retain the payload carrier on the harness. Alternatively, the attachment portion of the payload carrier may comprise the tab(s) and the attachment portion of the harness may comprise the slot(s), but may otherwise function as described above.

The slots may be provided in a housing protruding from the payload carrier or harness.

In some embodiments, the harness and the payload carrier comprise strapping slots which are configured to receive a strap to secure the payload carrier onto the harness when the attachment portions of the harness and payload carrier are connected together. For example, the connection of the attachment portions of the harness and payload carrier suitably brings the strapping slots of the harness and the payload carrier close together so that a strap of a suitable length can be passed through the strapping slots and secured to provide a stable attachment of the payload carrier to the harness. Suitably the UAV of this embodiment comprises a strap which passes through the strapping slots of the harness and the payload carrier to securely fasten the payload carrier to the harness.

In some embodiments, the attachment portions of the harness and the payload carrier are complementary snap-fit connectors which securely fasten the payload carrier to the harness when connected together. Suitably the snap-fit connectors retain the payload carrier on the harness with an interference fit of the attachment portion of the harness with the attachment portion of the payload carrier. Suitably the snap-fit connectors releasably fasten the payload carrier to the harness. Such a releasable connection suitably facilitates the removal and replacement of the first payload carrier in the event that a second payload carrier with a different sized and/or shaped storage volume is required to accommodate a different sized and/or shaped package compared to the first payload carrier.

In such embodiments, the attachment portions of the payload carrier and the harness may be provided by a tab on the harness configured to snap-fit into a slot on the payload carrier, or vice versa. For example, the tab may comprise a protruding locking portion which is configured to engage with a recess in the slot.

Suitably the attachments portions of the payload carrier are provided by at least two housings protruding from the base of the payload carrier, each housing comprising a slot, and the attachment portions of the harness are provided by at least two tabs protruding from the harness, or vice versa. Suitably the slots and tabs are configured to engage with each other in a releasable connection to securely attach the payload carrier to the harness and securely attach the harness to the UAV. The tabs suitably comprise a moveable locking portion and the slots comprise a recess for receiving the moveable locking portion to effect the secure attachment of the harness to the payload carrier. The moveable locking portion is biased to an engaged position and is configured to be moved to a disengaged position when inserting the tabs into the slots, for example by the user depressing the moveable locking portion into alignment with the tab or by a sloped face of the moveable locking portion being acted on by the housings of the slots, in order to allow the tabs to be passed into the slots. The moveable locking portions of the tabs and the recesses in the slots are configured so that they align with each other when the tabs are fully inserted into the slots. The moveable locking portion can then move to the engaged position within the recess, to prevent removal of the tabs from the slots and so to securely attach the harness to the payload carrier. The moveable locking portions can then be moved from the engaged position to a disengaged position, for example by the user depressing the moveable locking portions into alignment with their tabs, in order to allow the tabs to be removed from the slots and so disconnect the harness and the payload carrier.

Suitably the harness comprises two such tabs comprising at least one moveable locking portion and the payload carrier comprises two such slots each comprising at least one such recess.

Suitably the harness comprises a hoop fitted around a bottom face of the main body and having two ends which are releasably attached to an attachment portion of the payload carrier. Suitably the hoop is substantially rigid. In some embodiments, the hoop may allow some flexing in use to allow tight fitting to a main body of the UAV. The two ends of the hoop may be, or may comprise, the attachment portion of the harness. Suitably the two ends of the hoop are upwards facing and are arranged above the upper surface of the main body of the UAV. Suitably the harness is shaped to tightly fit around the main body of the UAV. Therefore the harness suitably has a shape which is at least partially complementary to the shape of the main body of the UAV. The shape of the harness will therefore vary according to the shape of the main body of the particular UAV on which it is fitted. Suitably the attachment of the two ends of the hoop of the harness to the attachment portion of the payload carrier biases the hoop against sides of the main body of the unmanned aerial vehicle.

Suitably the hoop has a main section, an open neck and at least one hinge in the main section. The at least one hinge suitably allows the open neck to widen significantly in order to facilitate the fitting of the harness around the main body of the UAV. The at least one hinge can then be closed in order for the main section of the harness to be wrapped around and in contact with the sides and underside of the main body of the UAV, suitably closely fitting to the main body of the UAV. Suitably the harness comprises two hinges in the main section, suitably one on each of two opposing sides of the main section of the harness. The open neck is suitably arranged at the upper surface of the main body of the UAV and is narrower than the width of the main body of the UAV and narrower than the main section of the hoop. The close fitting of the main section of the hoop to the main body and the open neck being narrower than the main body of the UAV suitably retains the harness on the UAV. The attachment of the two ends of the hoop of the harness to the attachment portion of the payload carrier suitably biases the hoop against the sides of the main body of the UAV. Therefore the connection together of the attachment portions of the harness and the payload carrier may be required to securely attach the harness to the main body of the UAV. In some alternative embodiments, the hoop does not comprise a hinge and instead is resiliently flexible. The hoop is suitably flexible to the extent that the hoop can be widened manually by a user and resilient such that it returns to its original shape when manual force is released by the user. Such a resiliently flexible hoop may be formed of a suitable polymeric material which is substantially rigid but allows some elastic deformation. The resiliently flexible hoop suitably comprises a main section and an open neck and otherwise functions as described in relation to the previous embodiment.

The resiliently flexible hoop suitably has a rest state and an expanded state. In the rest state the open neck is narrower than the main body of the UAV and the main section of the hoop has an approximate size and shape of the main body of the UAV, or a slightly smaller size and shape so that when the harness is fitted to the main body of the UAV, a tight fit is provided wherein the hoop is biased against the main body. In the expanded state the open neck and the main section of the hoop are wider than the main body of the UAV to allow the harness to be fitted onto the main body.

In order to fit such a harness onto the main body of the UAV, the resiliently flexible hoop is suitably subjected to a manual pulling force to widen the open neck and the main section of the hoop and is then placed onto the main body of the UAV such that the open neck is arranged at the upper surface of the main body of the UAV. The manual pulling force is then suitably removed from the resiliently flexible hoop so that the neck and the main section narrow back towards a rest state wherein the neck and the main section contact the main body of the UAV and retain the harness on the main body of the UAV.

Suitably the two ends of the hoop which are releasably attached to an attachment portion of the payload carrier are arranged at the open neck. The open neck may comprise a spacer portion which vertically spaces apart the main section of the hoop from the two ends of the hoop. This spacer portion may therefore space the attachment portion of the harness (and therefore the base of the payload carrier) apart from the upper surface of the main body of the UAV. This configuration may be advantageous in further lifting the payload carrier up and away from the main body and other parts of the UAV in order to facilitate user interaction with the payload carrier, as discussed above.

The attachment of the two ends of the hoop of the harness to the attachment portion of the payload carrier may suitably bias the hoop against sides of the main body of the UAV. Therefore the connection together of the attachment portions of the harness and the payload carrier may be required to securely attach the harness to the main body of the UAV. Suitably the harness comprises at least one aperture for arranging in registration with a sensor or camera on the main body of the UAV. Suitably the at least one aperture and the sensor or camera are arranged on an underside of the main body of the UAV. The at least one aperture suitably allows the sensor or camera to operate normally. Such sensors or cameras may be positioned on the underside of the main body of some UAVs to assist with the operation of the UAV. Providing the at least one aperture allows the UAV to retain the functionality of the sensor or camera whilst securing the harness and payload carrier in place around the main body in the advantageous fashion described above.

In some embodiments, the unmanned aerial vehicle of this first aspect comprises a plurality of rotors for propulsion of the UAV. Therefore the UAV of this first aspect is suitably a multirotor UAV, suitably wherein the main body is approximately central on the UAV and is connected to the plurality of rotors by a plurality of rotor arms. Suitably the UAV comprises at least four such rotors. Such multirotor UAVs may be particularly useful for relatively short-range delivery and return of relatively lightweight payloads such as biological testing or sampling kits. However, the rotors of such multirotor UAVs present an injury risk to a target user interacting with the UAV. Also, the rotors are at a particular risk of being damaged by a target user. The payload carrier being arranged above the main body of the UAV suitably minimises the risk of injury to the user and the risk of damage to the rotors by the user, by allowing the target user to access the payload carrier from above the UAV and remain clear of the rotors. Suitably the plurality of rotors are provided with rotor guards. Such rotor guards suitably further reduce the risk of a target user being injured by the rotors and the risk of the target user damaging the rotors, when the target user interacts with the UAV.

The UAV may comprise a data connector between the payload carrier and the main body of the UAV, for example a cable suitable for transferring data. The data connector is suitably configured to connect to a payload in the payload carrier, for example to a sensor, probe or data collector in or on said payload. Connecting such a sensor, probe or data collector to the UAV may enable the telematics systems of the UAV to be used to record and/or transmit data relevant to the payload to a controller, for example to allow real time monitoring of the condition of said payload, for example its temperature. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a payload carrying system for mounting on an upper region of an unmanned aerial vehicle, the payload carrying system comprising a payload carrier and a harness, the harness configured to fit onto a main body of said unmanned aerial vehicle; wherein the harness and the payload carrier comprise attachment portions for connecting the harness and the payload carrier together. The payload carrying system is suitably configured to be mounted on a main body of a UAV. The payload carrier system is suitably configured so that, when mounted on a UAV, the payload carrier is above a main body of the UAV. The payload carrying system, harness and payload carrier of this second aspect may have any of the suitable features and advantages described in relation to the first aspect.

Suitably the payload carrier defines a storage volume which is accessible from above the payload carrying system, in normal use. When fitted to a UAV, the storage volume of the payload carrier would therefore be accessible from above the UAV. Suitably the payload carrier has an open top face for accessing the storage volume.

Suitably the attachment portions of the harness and the payload carrier are configured to engage in an interference fit to attach the harness to the payload carrier.

Suitably the harness comprises a hoop as described in relation to the first aspect.

The harness and the payload carrier of the payload carrying system may be supplied attached or detached from each other. In some embodiments, the harness and the payload carrier need to be detached from each other in order to allow fitting of the payload carrying system to a UAV, as described above in relation to the first aspect.

The payload carrying system of this second aspect may comprise more than one different payload carrier for connecting to the harness, for example a further payload carrier or carriers having a different size and/or shape of storage volume to the payload carrier (which may therefore be termed a first payload carrier). Such further payload carrier or carriers may be useful for carrying different sized and/or shaped payloads to the first payload carrier. Suitably such further payload carrier or carriers are also as described in relation to the first aspect and may connect to the harness in the same way as the first payload carrier. An operator of a UAV may therefore select the appropriate payload carrier to use with the intended payload in a given situation. The payload carrying system of this second aspect may therefore be considered a payload carrying system kit for use with an unmanned aerial vehicle, the kit comprising at least two payload carriers as described herein and at least one harness as described herein, the harness configured to fit onto a main body of said unmanned aerial vehicle; wherein the harness is releasably attachable to the payload carriers through attachment portions on the harness and the payload carrier.

The payload carrying system of this second aspect may comprise more than one different harness for connecting to the payload carrier or carriers. Therefore the payload carrying system may comprise a first harness and a second harness. The second harness may be configured to fit onto a different model of UAV than the first harness and therefore allow a user to use the payload carrying system with different UAVs. Suitably such second and further harnesses are also as described in relation to the first aspect and may connect to the payload carrier in the same way as the first harness. An operator of a UAV may therefore select the appropriate harness to use with the payload carrier and a particular UAV in a given situation. The payload carrying system of this second aspect may therefore be considered a payload carrying system kit for use with an unmanned aerial vehicle, the kit comprising at least one payload carrier and at least two harnesses, the first and second harnesses configured to fit onto a main body of different unmanned aerial vehicles; wherein the first and second harnesses are releasably attachable to the payload carrier through attachment portions on the first and second harnesses and the payload carrier.

In some embodiments, the payload carrying system kit of this second aspect comprises at least two payload carriers as described above and at least two harnesses as described above, wherein each of the payload carriers are releasably attachable to each of the harnesses, as described above. Such a kit provides the user with the flexibility to use different UAVs and different size and/or shape of payload, the harnesses being configured to fit with said different UAVs and the payload carriers being configured to fit different size and/or shape of payload.

The payload carrying system of this second aspect may comprise a data connector, for example a suitable cable between the payload carrier and the harness to allow a UAV on which the system is fitted to be have a data connection with a payload in the payload carrier, as discussed in relation to the first aspect.

The present invention may also provide a payload carrying system as described in the second aspect which may be used for mounting on an underside of a UAV. Such a payload carrying system may have any of the suitable features and advantages described in relation to the second aspect and be intended for mounting on an underside or lower region of a UAV. Therefore the present invention may provide a payload carrying system for mounting on an unmanned aerial vehicle, the payload carrying system comprising a payload carrier and a harness, the harness configured to fit onto a main body of said unmanned aerial vehicle; wherein the harness and the payload carrier comprise attachment portions for connecting the harness and the payload carrier together. The payload carrying system, payload carrier and harness may have any of the suitable features and advantages described above.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of transporting a payload, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing an unmanned aerial vehicle according to the first aspect; b) arranging a first payload in the payload carrier; c) actuating the unmanned aerial vehicle to travel to a destination with the first payload; d) allowing a target user at the destination to remove the first payload from the payload carrier from above the unmanned aerial vehicle; e) allowing the target user to place a second payload into the payload carrier from above the unmanned aerial vehicle; f) actuating the unmanned aerial vehicle to travel away from the destination with the second payload.

Suitably the method of this third aspect is carried out in the order step a) followed by step b), followed by step c), followed by step d) and then followed by step e).

The UAV provided in step a) is according to the first aspect and therefore comprises a payload carrier; wherein the payload carrier is mounted above a main body of the unmanned aerial vehicle. The UAV of step a) may have any of the suitable features and advantages described in relation to the first aspect and may comprise a payload carrying system of the second aspect.

Suitably step b) is carried out by an operator of the UAV, for example at a base station comprising a supply of the first payloads.

Suitably step c) is carried out by an operator. Step c) may be carried out at least partially autonomously by the UAV, once the UAV has been supplied with information regarding the destination.

Steps d) and e) are carried out by the target user at the destination and require the target user to interact with the UAV. Therefore step d) suitably involves a target user at the destination removing the first payload from the payload carrier from above the unmanned aerial vehicle; and step e) suitably involves the target user placing a second payload into the payload carrier from above the unmanned aerial vehicle. Step d) may involve the target user undoing a fastener which secures the first payload into the payload carrier. Step e) may involve the target user re-applying the fastener to secure the second payload in the payload carrier.

The configuration of the UAV having the payload carrier and therefore the payload above the main body of the UAV facilitates the target user interacting with the UAV in steps d) and e), as discussed above in relation to the first aspect. Suitably the UAV remains at the destination between steps d) and e), suitably whilst the target user completes a task associated with the first payload.

Suitably step f) is carried out by the operator or at least partially autonomously by the UAV, when the UAV detects that the second payload has been placed in the payload carrier of the UAV and suitably when the UAV has detected that the target user has retreated from the UAV to a safe distance for take-off of the UAV.

Suitably the first payload comprises an unused biological testing or sampling kit and the second payload comprises a used biological testing or sampling kit. Suitably the first and second payload are the same biological testing or sampling kit which is unused wherein the kit is the first payload and has been used by the target user, i.e. by the target user completing the biological test or obtaining a required biological sample, to provide the second payload.

Therefore the target user is suitably a patient or a subject for biological testing, or is someone with access to a patient or subject for biological testing. For example, the target user may be a patient suspected of having an infectious disease, or may be living with and/or caring for such a person. The method of this third aspect may therefore provide and facilitate an advantageous method of transporting a biological testing or sampling kit to a patient or subject and transporting a completed test or a biological sample back from the patient or subject in order for it to be analysed and further appropriate action taken. The method can be carried out without requiring a human element in the delivery and collection of the kit and without requiring the user to leave the delivery location, such as their home. This may be particularly useful if the user is suspected of having an infectious disease and therefore has to minimise or eliminate all contact with other people and all travel in order to hinder the further spread of the infectious disease. As discussed above, this may be particularly advantageous during severe outbreaks of infectious diseases, such as during global pandemics.

Brief Description Of The Drawings

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how example embodiments may be carried into effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a payload carrier for use in the first aspect of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the underside of the payload carrier of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a harness for use in the first aspect of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the harness of Figure 3 in an open configuration.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a payload carrying system according to the second aspect of the present invention and for use in the first aspect of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a front view of the payload carrying system of Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of an unmanned aerial vehicle according to the first aspect of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a further perspective view of the unmanned aerial vehicle of Figure 7. Detailed Description of The Example Embodiments

Figures 1 and 2 show a payload carrier 100 for use with a UAV. The payload carrier 100 is formed of a rigid polymeric material such as an ABS-polycarbonate blend. Other relatively strong and lightweight materials can be used, for example a carbon fiber reinforced polymer. The payload carrier 100 has an upper face 101 and a lower face 102. The lower face 102 is intended to face towards a main body of said UAV in use and the upper face 101 is intended to face upwards away from said UAV and the ground in use. The payload carrier 100 comprises base 110, corner retaining arms 120 and central retaining arms 130 which define the lower face and side edges of a storage volume 140 which is open at upper face 101. The base 110 is substantially flat and provides a surface for supporting a payload item in use, for example a package for delivery to a target user. The corner retaining arms 120 and central retaining arms 130 are upstanding with respect to the base 110 and are substantially perpendicular to the base 110. The corner retaining arms 120 are shaped to define an approximately 90° angled corner which defines the outer corners of the storage volume 140. The corner retaining arms 120 are arranged to define a substantially cuboid shaped storage volume 140. The central retaining arms 130 are arranged on each of the two longer edges of the cuboid shaped storage volume 140. The central retaining arms 130 are provided with strapping slots 131 for receiving a strap or elasticated band to be placed over a payload item located in the storage volume 140 in order to retain said payload item in the storage volume. The storage volume 140 defined by the base 110, corner retaining arms 120 and central retaining arms 130 is open at upper face 101 (when the strap or elasticated band is not in place) to allow a user to access the storage volume 140 from above the payload carrier 100 (and therefore above a UAV on which the payload carrier is fitted).

The base 110 of the payload carrier 100 comprises two attachment portions 150 (as shown in Figure 2) to allow attachment of the payload carrier 100 to a suitable harness 200 on a UAV. The attachment portions 150 are spaced apart around the approximate centre of the base 110 of the payload carrier 100. The attachment portions 150 are housings protruding from the underside of the base 110, the housings 150 comprising slots 151 which are shaped and sized to provide a close fit with complementary tabs 230 on the harness 200 (see Figures 3 and 4). The housings 150 also comprise recesses 152 which are through-holes in the outer side of the housings 150. The recesses 152 are shaped and sized to provide a close fit with complementary locking portions 231 on the harness 200 (see Figures 3 and 4).

Figure 3 shows a harness 200 for attachment to a suitable UAV and for attachment to payload carrier 100. The harness 200 may be constructed from the same materials as described above in relation to the payload carrier 100, therefore from an ABS-polycarbonate blend or a carbon fiber reinforced polymer, or a material with similar strength-to-weight characteristics. The harness 200 and payload carrier 100 may be constructed from the same such material. The harness 200 has a hoop shape with a main section 210 and an open neck 220. The harness may be capable of some elastic flexing to provide a close fit to a UAV when biased against the main body of said UAV. The main section 210 of the harness 200 defines a space 230 for receiving a main body of a UAV when the harness 200 is fitted to such a UAV. The main section 210 of the harness 200 has a size and an internal profile 211 which is complementary to the external profile of said main body of said UAV. Therefore the size and internal profile 211 of the main section 210 of the harness will be varied according to the model of the UAV which is to be fitted with the harness 200 (and the payload carrier 100). The main section 210 has a lower region 212 which is intended to be arranged around a lower surface (underside) of said main body of said UAV when fitted. The lower region 212 comprises aperture 213 for registration with sensors and/or cameras on said main body of said UAV to allow said sensors and/or cameras to function after the harness 200 has been fitted to said UAV. The open neck 220 is narrower than the main section 210 and is intended to be arranged at an upper surface of said main body of said UAV when the harness 200 is fitted to said UAV. The open neck 220 has a width which is narrower than the width of said main body of said UAV on which the harness 200 is intended to be fitted. The harness 200 comprises hinges 214 which can pivot to widen and narrow the main section 210 and the open neck 220. When the hinges 214 are in a closed configuration, the internal profile 211 of the harness 200 closely fits to the main body of the UAV and the open neck 220 is narrower than the width of the main body of said UAV. The hinges 214 are in the closed configuration when the harness 200 is fitted to the UAV. When the hinges 214 are in an open configuration, the two sides of the harness 200 are spaced further apart than in the closed configuration and the open neck 220 is wider than the width of the main body of the UAV, allowing the harness to be placed around the main body of the UAV during fitting of the harness 200 to the UAV.

The open neck 220 comprises two attachment portions 230 which are upstanding tabs. The tabs 230 are shaped and sized to provide a close fit with complementary slots 151 on the payload carrier 100 (see Figures 1 and 2). The tabs 230 comprise locking portions 231 which protrude outwards from the outer sides of the tabs 230. The outer sides of the tabs 230 are the sides which face away from the other tab 230. The locking portions 231 are shaped and sized to provide a close fit with complementary recesses 152 on the payload carrier 100 (see Figures 1 and 2). The locking portions 231 each comprise a flexible hinge 232 at an upper end of the locking portion 231 and are shaped to have a sloped outer face 233 (or wedge shape) which extends from the flexible hinges 232 outwards from the tabs 230 to a lower end 234 having a lower face which is approximately perpendicular to the tab 230. The locking portions 231 are moveable between an engaged position where the locking portions protrude from the outer sides of the tabs 230, and a disengaged position where the locking portions are flush with the outer sides of the tabs 230. The locking portions 231 are configured to be biased to the engaged position. Pressing the locking portions 231 moves them into the disengaged position. This can be done by manually pressing on the locking portions 231 or by the sloped face 233 of the locking portion 231 being acted on by another part, for example when inserting the tab 230 into the complementary slot 151 of the payload carrier 100. The lower ends 234 of the locking portions 230 act as stops by abutting a lower edge of the recesses 152 when the tabs 230 are inserted into the slots 151 of the payload carrier 100 to prevent the tabs 230 being removed from the slots 151 unless the locking portions 231 are pressed inwards by a user to the disengaged position.

When the payload carrier 100 is fitted to the harness 200, the tabs 230 and housings 150 space apart the payload carrier 100 from the main section 210 of the harness 200 which is therefore spaced apart vertically from an upper surface of said main body of said UAV. This suitably raises the payload carrier 100 above the main body and other parts of said UAV to facilitate a user retrieving a package from or placing a package into the payload carrier 100. The tabs 230 and the locking portions 231 provide an attachment portion of the harness 200 for connection with the attachment portion of a suitable payload carrier, such as payload carrier 100 of Figure 1. The locking portions 231 when located in the recesses 152 secure the harness 200 to the payload carrier 100. The harness 200 is fitted to the main body of a UAV by moving the hinges 214 to an open configuration, wrapping the harness around the underside of the UAV to align the lower region 212 of the harness 200 with the bottom of the UAV. The hinges 214 are then moved to a closed configuration to contact the internal profile 211 of the harness 200 with the main body of the UAV to provide a close fit and to bring the open neck 220 into contact with an upper region of the UAV. The tabs 230 are then inserted into the slots 151 of the payload carrier 100 until the locking portions 231 locate into and engage with the recesses 152. This attachment of the harness 200 to the payload carrier 100 suitably biases the harness 200 tightly against the main body of the UAV to provide a secure fitting.

Figure 5 shows payload carrying system 300 in the orientation intended in use when attached to a suitable UAV. Figure 6 shows the same payload carrying system 300 in a front view. The payload carrier system comprises payload carrier 100 of Figure 1 and harness 200 of Figure 3. The payload carrier 100 and the harness 200 are connected together through the engagement of the tabs 230 of the harness 200 in the slots 151 of the payload carrier 100 as discussed above. In Figures 5 and 6 the payload carrying system 300 is assembled as described above in the absence of a UAV for illustrative purposes. In use, the harness 200 will be fitted to a main body of said UAV as described above before the payload carrier 100 is attached to the harness 200 in the manner described above. Suitably the location of the tabs 230 in the slots 151 require the hoop of the harness 200 to be subjected to an external force to move the tabs 230 closer to each other and therefore place the hoop under tension. This tension suitably causes the main section 210 of the harness 200 to bear upon said main body of said UAV. The location of the tabs 230 in the slots 151 then retains the tension in the hoop of the harness 200 and therefore the main section 210 of the harness 200 continues to bear upon said main body of said UAV to provide a friction fit to keep the harness 200 and therefore the payload carrying system 300 securely in place on said UAV during use.

The connection of the tabs 230 of the harness 200 into the slots 151 of the housings 150 of the payload carrier 100 provides attachment region 310 connecting the payload carrier 100 to the harness 200. This connection mechanism of the harness 200 and the payload carrier 100 can facilitate the attachment and detachment of the harness 200 to and from the UAV and the attachment and detachment of the payload carrier 100 to and from the harness 200 and the UAV. This enables a user to easily change the payload carrier 100 to enable a different size or shape of payload to be transported and to easily change the harness 200 to enable a different make and model of UAV to be used with the payload carrier 100. Therefore this system allows a user to vary the UAV and the payload carrier whilst benefitting from the advantages of the mode of transporting a payload discussed herein.

The payload carrying system 300 also comprises payload strap 320 which is attached to the payload carrier 100 through strapping slots 131 to secure a payload item (not shown) in the storage volume 140. The payload strap 320 is suitably fastened with a hook and eye fastener.

Figures 7 and 8 show a UAV 400 comprising the payload carrying system 300 of Figures 5 and 6 formed of payload carrier 100 and harness 200. The UAV depicted is a DJI Mavic UAV. However, this is used as a non-limiting example to illustrate the present invention. As described above, the payload carrying system of the present invention can be adapted to function with many different makes and models of UAVs, specifically by conforming the internal profile 211 and size of the harness 200 to a main body of such different UAVs. The payload carrying system 300 is fitted to the main body 410 of the UAV as described above. The payload carrier 100 comprises package 500 which suitably weighs up to 200 g, suitably containing a biological testing or sampling kit. The package 500 is the approximate size and shape of the storage volume 140 of the payload carrier 100. The package 500 is secured in the payload carrier 100 by payload strap 320 as described above. The UAV 400 is a multirotor UAV comprising four rotors 420. The arrangement of the payload carrier 100 as shown above the main body 410 of the UAV 400 suitably allows a target user to retrieve package 500 from and replace package 500 into the payload carrier 100 whilst minimising the risk of the user being injured by or causing damage to the UAV 400, specifically the rotors 420. The UAV 400 may therefore be advantageous in the method of transporting a payload of the third aspect of the present invention which involves an untrained target user interacting with the UAV 400 to retrieve the payload from the payload carrier and then replace the payload in the payload carrier to allow the UAV to transport the payload back to a destination. Furthermore, the upward facing position of the payload carrier 100 on the UAV 400 suitably facilitates the opening and closing of a fastener provided on the payload carrier 100, such as payload strap 320, by such an untrained user. As discussed above, the UAV 400 may advantageously provide and facilitate a way of delivering a biological testing or sampling kit to a target user and then receiving back from the target user a completed biological testing or sampling kit, without requiring a human element in the delivery and collection of the kit and without requiring the user to leave the delivery location, such as their home.

In summary, the present invention provides an unmanned aerial vehicle comprising a payload carrier for transporting a payload. The payload carrier is mounted above a main body of the unmanned aerial vehicle. A payload carrying system for mounting on an unmanned aerial vehicle is also provided. The payload carrying system comprises a payload carrier and a harness, the harness configured to fit onto a main body of said unmanned aerial vehicle. The harness and the payload carrier comprise easily releasable attachment portions for connecting the harness and the payload carrier together. The unmanned aerial vehicle and the payload carrying system may facilitate a user retrieving a payload from a UAV and/or placing a payload onto a UAV for transportation, for example a biological testing kit or sample. The payload carrying system may also facilitate the attachment and detachment of the harness and/or payload carrier from the UAV in order to use a different UAV and/or to carry a different size or shape of payload.

Although a few preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

Throughout this specification, the term “comprising” or “comprises” means including the component(s) specified but not to the exclusion of the presence of other components. The term “consisting essentially of or “consists essentially of” means including the components specified but excluding other minor components unrelated to the technical effect of the invention.

The term “consisting of” or “consists of means including the components specified but excluding addition of other components.

Whenever appropriate, depending upon the context, the use of the term “comprises” or “comprising” may also be taken to encompass or include the meaning “consists essentially of or “consisting essentially of, and may also be taken to include the meaning “consists of or “consisting of.

The optional features set out herein may be used either individually or in combination with each other where appropriate and particularly in the combinations as set out in the accompanying claims. The optional features for each aspect or exemplary embodiment of the invention as set out herein are also to be read as applicable to any other aspect or exemplary embodiments of the invention, where appropriate. In other words, the skilled person reading this specification should consider the optional features for each exemplary embodiment of the invention as interchangeable and combinable between different exemplary embodiments. Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.