Low-altitude drone delivery requires more than flight control and propulsion equipment. It also involves landing supports, cargo securing mechanisms, loading and unloading equipment, and ground handling devices. These systems commonly use mechanical components such as brackets, linkages, pulleys, gears, springs, and screw drives to support aircraft positioning, cargo loading, delivery, and ground transportation.
According to their functions, the mechanical equipment used in low-altitude delivery can be divided into four main categories: landing support and securing devices, propulsion and transmission mechanisms, cargo handling and release mechanisms, and ground support equipment.
Landing Support and Securing Devices
Landing support equipment is used to provide temporary parking, takeoff and landing assistance, and ground securing for delivery drones. Common examples include folding landing stands and tethering or anchoring assemblies.
Folding Landing Stands
Folding landing stands provide temporary support for cargo drones during parking, takeoff, and landing. Some designs use 6061 aluminum alloy profiles, assembled through welding or bolted connections to form a supporting frame.
Their main characteristics include:
Structural support: Frame or truss structures distribute loads during takeoff and landing, helping maintain a stable support surface.
Folding design: Hinges and connecting pins allow the stand to fold for vehicle transportation and field deployment.
Quick locking: Some designs incorporate locking pins or mechanical latches to secure the frame after deployment and reduce the risk of accidental folding or displacement during use.
Tethering and Anchoring Assemblies
For temporary parking, ground testing, or specific tethered operations, anchoring components such as ground stakes, counterweights, and rigid tie rods can be used to secure the UAV or related ground equipment.
These components restrict movement through anchoring and tensioning. They are useful at sites without permanent mounting foundations. The anchoring method and required counterweight must be determined according to the UAV dimensions, connection arrangement, operating environment, and wind loads. Counterweight selection should not be based on wind force rating alone.
Propulsion and Transmission Mechanisms
Propulsion and transmission mechanisms generate or transfer motion. They provide thrust for the UAV or drive mechanical components such as landing gear and cargo doors.
Propeller Assemblies
Propellers are common propulsion components in multirotor delivery drones. They are driven by brushless motors and generate lift and thrust through aerodynamic interaction between the blades and surrounding air.
Some commercial UAVs use carbon fiber propeller blades to balance structural strength and weight. Folding propellers can also reduce the space required for equipment storage and transportation.
Variable-pitch propellers use mechanical adjustment mechanisms to change blade angles and modify propulsion performance. However, conventional multirotor delivery drones generally use fixed-pitch propellers, so variable-pitch adjustment mechanisms should not be considered standard components on all UAVs.
Belt Drive Mechanisms
A belt drive transfers rotational power through a driving pulley, driven pulley, and transmission belt. It has a relatively simple structure, smooth operation, and convenient maintenance.
In some specialized UAV designs, belt drives may be used for auxiliary mechanisms, power distribution, or particular shaft assemblies. However, conventional multirotor delivery drones generally use direct-drive motors to drive their propellers and do not require belt transmission between the motor and each rotor shaft.
Electric Linear Actuators
An electric linear actuator converts motor rotation into reciprocating linear movement. It typically consists of a DC motor, reduction mechanism, lead screw, and guide structure.
In some large fixed-wing delivery UAVs, electric linear actuators can be used for landing gear retraction and extension, cargo door operation, and other mechanisms requiring linear movement. Their stroke, output force, and positioning accuracy must be selected according to the equipment load and structural requirements.
Some electric linear actuator products can achieve positioning accuracy of ±1 mm. Actual performance depends on the screw mechanism, feedback arrangement, and control system.
Cargo Handling and Release Mechanisms
Cargo handling mechanisms secure, release, or transfer delivery packages. Their design must account for payload weight, package dimensions, connection reliability, and the selected delivery method.
Quick-Release Cargo Latches
Quick-release cargo latches are used to secure cargo doors or payload assemblies. They commonly use mechanical hooks and spring mechanisms to achieve locking and unlocking.
Some designs use lever-operated latches that change the locking position through a handle or actuator. Models requiring remote operation may also incorporate an electromagnet or servo-driven mechanism, allowing the ground control system to trigger the release.
The latch must provide reliable locking to prevent the cargo compartment from opening accidentally due to vibration or unintended operation during flight.
Package Release and Delivery Mechanisms
Different release mechanisms can be selected according to package weight and delivery site conditions.
Common designs include spring-loaded locking pins, servo-actuated hooks, and electrically operated release latches. Springs provide locking or return force, while servos or electromagnetic actuators control the release movement.
For delivery tasks requiring controlled descent or reduced free-fall impact, an electric winch and tether mechanism can lower the package gradually to the ground before releasing it. The appropriate design depends on payload weight, delivery accuracy, and site safety requirements.
Truss-Type Cargo Pallets
Truss-type cargo pallets support and secure packages of different dimensions. Some designs use welded angle steel to form a supporting frame, with a load-bearing surface configured according to the package dimensions.
The pallet can secure packages using straps, clamps, or mechanical locking components. This reduces package movement during flight. The design must also account for load distribution, center of gravity, and the load capacity of the mounting structure.
Ground Support and Handling Equipment
In addition to the UAV's mechanical structures, ground operations require equipment for loading, transportation, and battery charging.
Manual Hydraulic Trolleys
Manual hydraulic trolleys use a combination of a hydraulic pump, hydraulic cylinder, and casters to lift and move equipment. They are commonly used to transport drones, spare batteries, and cargo compartment assemblies.
Some manual hydraulic trolleys have a rated load capacity of up to 500 kg. When selecting a trolley, check its own weight, cargo weight, platform dimensions, and ground conditions to ensure safe and stable handling.
Battery Charging Stands
Battery charging stands generally use aluminum alloy profiles to form a fixed frame, with charging interfaces arranged according to the installation requirements of the UAV and its batteries.
They provide dedicated parking and charging positions for delivery drones. Some charging stands use multiple positions to accommodate several UAVs or battery packs simultaneously, improving the organization of ground support and charging operations.
Custom Machining of Precision Parts for Low-Altitude Delivery Equipment
Low-altitude delivery equipment contains UAV mounting brackets, cargo latches, payload pallets, shafts, connecting components, and other mechanical structures. Their machining processes and accuracy requirements must be determined according to payload requirements, mounting dimensions, and actual assembly conditions.
Hansheng Automation provides custom precision machining based on customer drawings and accepts both single-piece and small-batch orders. In addition to components for low-altitude logistics equipment, our machining services also cover precision parts for yachts and RC racing cars, as well as components for tobacco packaging machinery and filling equipment. Parts are manufactured according to the structural requirements and drawings provided for each project.
