Apparatus for electromagnetically launching an object

Abstract

An apparatus for electromagnetically launching an object 100 is disclosed. The apparatus may comprise a power source 102, an electromagnetic rail 104, a connector 116, and a detaching mechanism 118. The electromagnetic rail 104 may have two portions including a first portion 106 and a second portion 108. Further, the second portion 108 may comprise two sections including a releasing section 112 and a detaching section 110. The connector 116 may be placed on the electromagnetic rail 104. Further, the electromagnetic rail 104 may be powered using a power source 102. The electromagnetic force may cause the connector 116 to move along the electromagnetic rail 104 due to an electromagnetic force generated due to a current flown through the electromagnetic rail 104. The connector 116 may be launched from the releasing section 112 after gaining enough velocity in the second portion 108.

Description

APPARATUS FOR ELECTROMAGNETICALLY LAUNCHING ANOBJECTPRIORITY INFORMATION

[0001] The present application claims a priority from Indian Patent application No. 202321058626, filed on August 31, 2023.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for launching an object. More particularly, the invention relates to an apparatus for launching an object using concepts of electromagnetism.BACKGROUND

[0001] The exploration of space has long captivated human interest and served as a focal point for scientific endeavours. Over the course of several decades, several countries and organisations have actively participated in the ambitious aim of launching items into the vast expanse of space. The conventional method for deploying payloads into space often entails the utilisation of chemical propulsion systems, such as rockets, which operate on the premise of generating thrust by expelling high-velocity gases. Although these technologies have demonstrated efficacy, they are accompanied by several constraints and challenges, such as substantial financial implications, environmental considerations, and restricted potential for reuse.

[0002] In recent times, there has been an increasing scholarly focus on the advancement of alternative launch technologies that can effectively address the limitations associated with conventional chemical rockets. An area of investigation that shows potential is the application of electromagnetic forces for the purpose of propelling objects into outer space. Electromagnetism, as one of the fundamental forces in nature, possesses the capacity to provide a more efficient, economicallyviable, and ecologically sustainable approach to launching payloads into outer space.

[0003] The notion of electromagnetic propulsion for space launches is not altogether unprecedented. Nevertheless, the application of this technology in the context of space launches has distinct obstacles that necessitate the development of creative solutions.SUMMARY

[0004] Before the present apparatus is described, it is to be understood that this application is not limited to the particular apparatus described, as there can be multiple possible embodiments which are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosures. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular implementations or versions or embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present application. This summary is provided to introduce aspects related to an apparatus for launching an object. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0005] In one aspect, an apparatus for launching an object includes an electromagnetic rail, where a first portion of the electromagnetic rail is straight and a second portion of the electromagnetic rail is curved, and where a current is flown through the electromagnetic rail using a power source, a pair of links connecting two sections of the second portion of the electromagnetic rail, where the two sections include a detaching section and a releasing section, a detaching mechanism connected to the pair of links to disconnect the detaching section from the releasing section, a connector placed on the electromagnetic rail, where the connector slides on the electromagnetic rail due to an electromagnetic forcegenerated by the current, and where the connector is released from the releasing section based on a velocity of the connector.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The following detailed description of embodiments is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, example constructions of the disclosure are shown in the present document; however, the disclosure is not limited to the specific apparatus disclosed in the document and the drawings.

[0007] The detailed description is given with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawing to refer like features and components.

[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates an apparatus for electromagnetically launching an object, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates straight motion of a connector, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates speed gaining motion of the connector, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates detachment of a detaching section using a detaching mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates motion of the connector upon detachment of the detaching section, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0013] FIG. 6 illustrates an arrangement of a payload for impact with the connector, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0014] FIG. 7 illustrates another arrangement of the payload for impact with the connector, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0015] FIG. 8 illustrates a holding mechanism for the payload, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0016] FIG. 9 illustrates an object that is launched, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0017] FIG. 10 illustrates an apparatus comprising electromagnetic coils arranged along an electromagnetic rail for electromagnetically launching an object, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention.

[0019] Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not others.

[0020] Some embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words "receiving," "sensing," "mixing," "preventing,” “transferring,” “measuring,” “extracting,” “generating,” and other forms thereof, are intended to be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include pluralreferences unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although any apparatus similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the exemplary apparatus is now described. The disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms.

[0021] Moreover, although the following description contains many specifics for the purposes of illustration, anyone skilled in the art will appreciate that many variations and / or alterations to said details are within the scope of the present invention. Similarly, although many of the features of the present invention are described in terms of each other, or in conjunction with each other, one skilled in the art will appreciate that many of these features can be provided independently of other features. Accordingly, this description of the invention is set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the invention.

[0022] As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the aspects of the present invention may be embodied as an apparatus. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “engine,” “module,” “apparatus,” or “system.”

[0023] The present invention discloses an apparatus for electromagnetically launching an object. A power source passes current through the electromagnetic rail to generate a magnetic field which applies an electromagnetic force (EMF) on a connector causing it to move. The connector may be launched in an upwards direction after gaining velocity to make an impact with an object to be launched, such as a payload. The connector is used to assist in launching the payload because the payload may get damaged by at least one of magnetic fields from the electromagnetic rail and centrifugal force caused by spinning.

[0024] While the present invention has been described with reference to the example scenario of launching objects into space, it will be understood that thepresent invention can be implemented for launching or releasing any object or projectile at high-speed in any medium (such as aerial, terrestrial, or aquatic). For example, the present invention may be used for at least one of launching hypersonic, supersonic or subsonic vehicles, transporting goods, people by launching them aerially in a particular direction, launching drones to high altitudes faster and more efficiently with lower consumption of battery power, and the like.

[0025] Referring now to FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, the apparatus 100 for electromagnetically launching an object is illustrated. The apparatus 100 may comprise a power source 102, an electromagnetic rail 104, a connector 116, and a detaching mechanism 118. The electromagnetic rail 104 may have two portions including a first portion 106 and a second portion 108. The first portion 106 may be straight and the second portion 108 may be curved. Further, the second portion 108 may comprise two sections including a releasing section 112 and a detaching section 110. The connector 116 may be placed on the electromagnetic rail 104 using one or more grooves carved in the connector 116 to match with the electromagnetic rail 104. In an embodiment, the connector may be bar shaped having one or more grooves matching the electromagnetic rail 104. In another embodiment, the connector 116 is flat and slides on the rails due to the electromagnetic force. In an embodiment, the electromagnetic rail 104 may have grooves to accommodate protrusions of the connector 116. In another embodiment, the connector may transform into a plus shaped connector 602 formed by internal arms opening at a specific time as shown in FIG. 6. Further, the electromagnetic rail 104 may be powered using a power source 102. The power source 102 may provide current to the electromagnetic rail 104. A magnetic field may be generated by the current flowing in the electromagnetic rail 104. In an embodiment, the magnetic field may be externally generated. In an embodiment, the magnetic field may be generated by combining the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the electromagnetic rail 104 and externally generated magneticfield. The magnetic field may generate an electromagnetic force that may act on the connector 116. The electromagnetic force may cause the connector 116 to move along the electromagnetic rail 104. The connector 116 may gain velocity by repeatedly moving inside the second portion 108 of the electromagnetic rail 104. Further, the connector 116 may be launched from a releasing section 112 of the second portion 108 by detaching the detaching section 110 using a detaching mechanism 118. The detaching section 110 is detached when the velocity of the connector 116 reaches a launching velocity.

[0026] In an embodiment, the power source 102 may be connected to the electromagnetic rail 104 to form a closed circuit. A current from the power source 102 may flow through the electromagnetic rail 104. The electromagnetic rail 104 may comprise two parallel guideways made of conducting materials such as copper, aluminum, and the like. Further, the connector 116 may be placed upon the electromagnetic rail 104 to form a complete circuit for electric current to flow and generate the magnetic field by virtue of Biot Savarts Law. The magnetic field generated, by the electric current flowing through the electromagnetic rail, is present throughout the apparatus and acts upon the connector 116. Further, a force is experienced by the connector 116 due to the magnetic field. The force is called Lorentz force. The Lorentz force acting upon a point on the connector 116 may be proportional to the length of connector 116, the magnetic field at the location, and the sine of the angle between direction of current flowing through the connector 116 and direction of magnetic field at the point on the connector 116. The Lorentz force causes movement of the connector 116 along the electromagnetic rail 104. In an embodiment, one or more electromagnetic coils may be placed strategically around the electromagnetic rail 104 to generate additional electromagnetic field in a direction parallel to the direction of magnetic field of the electromagnetic rail 104 in order to generate sufficient Lorentz force for moving the connector 116. The direction of the electromagnetic field is perpendicular to a plane in which theconnector lies. The direction of the magnetic field may be upwards or downwards based on the direction of the current flowing through the connector 116 and direction in which the connector 116 needs to be moved. The Lorentz force may — > — > be calculated using the following equation (Lorentz’s equation) - F = idL x B.

[0027] In the Lorentz’s equation, F is the Lorentz’s force acting on the connector 116. Further, dL is a vector acting along the length of the electromagnetic rail 104 and proportional to length of the electromagnetic rail 104. Furthermore, B is the magnetic field at the point of contact of the connector 116 and the electromagnetic rail 104. Further, ‘X’ represents a cross multiplication of the two vectors dL and — » B.

[0028] The first portion 106 of the electromagnetic rail 104 may be straight and the second portion of the electromagnetic rail 104 may be curved. The second portion 108 may be curved such that an object moving inside the second portion 108 may return to the beginning of the second portion 108 when dropped from the end of the second portion 108. In an embodiment, the connector 116 starts moving from beginning of the first portion 106. Further, the connector 116 enters the second portion 108 and iteratively cycles in the second portion 108 to gain velocity.

[0029] Further, the connector 116 may be released from the releasing section 112 of the second portion 108. The second portion 108 may comprise two sections including the releasing section 112 and the detaching section 110 connected to each other using a pair of links 114. The detaching section 110 may be disconnected from the second portion 108 using the detaching mechanism 118 such that the second portion 108 becomes open ended at the releasing section 112. The releasing section 112 may be a quarter of a circle connected to the first portion 106 such that the open end of the releasing section 112 points towards a payload 608.

[0030] In an embodiment, the apparatus for electromagnetically launching an object 100 may comprise a velocity monitoring system that may command thedetaching section 110 to disconnect the links 114 in order to disconnect the detaching section 110 from the releasing section 112 when the connector 116 is moving at a velocity (Ve). The velocity (Ve) may be predetermined based on the payload characteristics and purpose of launch such that when the connector 116 is launched it can cause the payload to be launched at a desired velocity (Vfmai) as will be discussed later. In another embodiment, the detaching section 110 may be disconnected from the releasing section 112 when the connector 116 has completed ‘n’ number of iterations in the second portion 108 where the number ‘n’ may be predetermined based on the velocity (Ve). In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 may be communicatively connected to a velocity monitoring system.

[0031] In an embodiment, the Vemay be provided by a user through an Input system connected to the apparatus 100. The input system may comprise a touch operated display or a button operated control panel to receive the Vefrom the user.

[0032] The velocity at which the payload 608 may be launched after impact with the connector 116 may be called “7FinaiIn an embodiment, the VFinalmay be calculated based on the mass of the payload 608 and mass of the connector 116. The be calculated using the equation -

[0033] In the equation, VFinai= total velocity of the payload 608 and connector 602 at launch, i = Current, L = Length of the connector, B = Strength of the magnetic field acting on the connector 116, R = Radius of the second portion, n = Number of times the connector goes around the second portion, mpaycon=sum of mass of the payload and mass of the connector, and C = a factor encompassing variables like energy loss, friction, and the like.

[0034] In an embodiment, the radius of the second portion (R) may be determined by the following equation. r _ (ths+ A) 180

[0035] In the above equation, R is the radius of the second portion 108, thsis the height 120 of the connector 116, A corresponds to an extra gap allotted between the second portion 108 and the first portion 106 to allow the connector 116 to pass through without any hindrance, Cangie may correspond to the minimum angle subtended by the second portion 108 and the first portion 106.

[0036] In an embodiment, the length of the electromagnetic rail may be split between the first portion 106 and the second portion 108. The length of the first portion 106b may be calculated using the following equation considering that the cross section of the connector is square in shape. Connector ^92iB

[0037] In the above equation, “ls” corresponds to a minimum length of the first portion required for the connector 116 to complete one cycle inside the second portion 108, “a” corresponds to length of a side of the cross section of the connector 116, “pConnector’’corresponds to density of the material of the connector 116, “R” corresponds to the radius of the second portion 108, “p” corresponds to acceleration due to gravity at sea level, “i” corresponds to the current flowing inside the electromagnetic rail and the connector, “B” corresponds to an average magnetic field acting on the connector.

[0038] The length of the first portion must be equal to or greater than ls. This is necessary to prevent the connector 116 from falling off at any point of the curved section 108. Highest probability of this event occurring is at the highest point of the curved section 108. Once the connector 116 completes one (first) cycle, it has gained enough speed that the completion of further cycles would be guaranteed.This minimum length lsis obtained by conserving the energy between the lowest point of the curved section 108 and its highest point.

[0039] If the magnetic field at the location of the connector 116, is solely due to the part of the rails between the power source 102 and the connector 116, we can produce a better estimate for the final velocity (VFinal) of the payload 608 and the connector 602. This would also entail some reasonable assumptions and approximations. Main one among them would be the finding of the average magnetic field experienced by the connector 116 by the straight part 106 and the curved part 108 of the rails 104. So, the equation for the final velocity of the payload 608 and connector 602 is given by the following equation:

[0040] In the equation, 7Finai= total velocity of the payload 608 and connector 602 at launch, X = a factor encompassing variables like energy loss, friction, empiricism in finding of the average magnetic field experienced by the connector 116 due to the straight part 106, Y= a factor corresponding to empiricism in finding of the average magnetic field experienced by the connector 116 due to the curved part 108, 7ncon= mass of connector 602, R = radius of the curved part 108, g = acceleration due to gravity at sea level, i = current flowing in the circuit, especially through the connector 116, mpayco= mass of connector 602 and payload 608, n = Number of times the connector goes around the second portion.

[0041] The energy loss comprises energy loss due to at least one of joule heating, friction, momentum transfer when the connector 602 hits the payload 608, radiation, air resistance, and the like.

[0042] In an embodiment, the Vfmaimay be equated to Ve. In another embodiment, Vfmai may be less than Veto compensate for loss of energy while transferring momentum from the connector to the payload or due to air resistance while the payload is travelling. Based on the equation, n may be determined, and the detaching mechanism may be commanded to disconnect the detaching section when the number of launch cycles made by the connector is equal to n. The number of launch cycles made by the connector may be measured using data received from the one or more sensors attached to the connector.

[0043] In an embodiment, the velocity monitoring system may be used to measure the velocity of the connector 116. The velocity monitoring system may comprise one or more transceivers connected to the connector 116, and a processor. The one or more transceivers may continuously transmit the velocity of the connector 116 to the processor. The processor may continuously compare the velocity of the connector 116 with the Ve. When the velocity of the connector 116 matches the Ve, the processor transmits a command to the detaching mechanism 118 to disconnect the detaching section 110. Veis the velocity of the connector 602 required for the payload 608, after mating with the connector 602, to reach V final.

[0044] Referring now to FIG. 2, the apparatus for electromagnetically launching an object 100 is illustrated in a condition when the connector 116 is entering the second portion 108 of the electromagnetic rail 104. The illustration also depicts the condition when the connector 116 is released from the end of the second portion 108 back at the beginning of the second portion 108 at the end of every launch cycle until the velocity of the connector 116 reaches Ve.

[0045] Referring now to FIG. 3, the connector 116 is illustrated in the second portion 108 making iterative launch cycles to gain velocity.

[0046] Referring now to FIG. 4, the detachment of the detaching section 110 using the detaching mechanism 118 when the velocity of the connector 116 matches the Veis illustrated. The detaching section 110 is disconnected at theinstant when the connector is back at the beginning of the second portion 108. The detaching mechanism 118 may be a robotic arm, a robot, a vehicle having a robotic arm, and the like. The detaching mechanism 118 may disconnect the links 114 in order to disconnect the detaching section 110.

[0047] Referring now to FIG. 5, the connector 116 being released from the open end of the releasing section 112 after detachment of the detaching section 110 is illustrated. The connector 116 may be moving in the direction of the payload 608 with a velocity equal to Ve. In an embodiment, the Vemay be modified to incorporate a loss of energy during impact with the payload 608.

[0048] Referring now to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, two embodiments of an impact controller 606 connected to the payload 608 are illustrated. The impact controller 606 may be connected to a connector pad 604. The connector pad 604 may receive the connector 602 moving at the Ve. The impact controller 606 is used to absorb impact from the connector 602 and transfer momentum from the connector 602 to the payload 608 without harming the payload 608. The connector pad 604 and the payload 608 may comprise one or more sensors 612 . The one or more sensors 612 may include at least one of velocity sensors, force sensors, proximity sensors, and alignment sensors. The one or more sensors 612 on the connector pad 604 may measure at least one of the velocity of compression of the impact controller 606 and the force applied on the impact controller 606 by the connector 602. The one or more sensors 612 on the payload 608 may measure the velocity of the payload 608.

[0049] In an embodiment, the connector 116 as shown in Fig. 1 transforms into connector 602 as shown in Fig. 6 to ensure better attachment to the payload 608. The connector 602 may be plus shaped having four arms originating from the center of the connector 602. The extremities of the four arms of the connector may comprise a set of sensors 610 including one or more alignment sensors and one or more proximity sensors.

[0050] In an embodiment, the impact controller 606 may be locked to avoid unnecessary movement of the payload 608 and the connector pad 604. Further, the apparatus may comprise a mechanism to unlock the impact controller 606 when the proximity of the connector 602 to the connector pad 604 is greater than a predefined threshold. The predefined threshold may depend on at least one of the velocity of the connector and the processing time of the string detachment system.

[0051] In an embodiment, the connector 602 may comprise the set of sensors 610 and one or more thrusters. The one or more alignment sensors from the set of sensors 610 may transmit data regarding the position and the pose of the connector 602. The apparatus for electromagnetically launching an object 100 may comprise an alignment system to ensure correct impact of the connector 602 with the payload 608. In an embodiment, the alignment system may be communicatively connected to the apparatus 100. The alignment system may receive data from the set of sensors 610 and determine a course of the connector 602 and the pose of the connector 602. The alignment system may also receive data from the one or more sensors on the payload and the connector pad 604. The alignment system may determine the position of the connector pad 604 based on the data received from the one or more sensors 612. The alignment system may compare the course of the connector and the pose of the connector 602 with a correct course and a correct spatial orientation or pose. The correct course and the correct pose may be determined based on the data received from the one or more sensors 612 and the set of sensors 610. Further, the alignment system may transmit commands to the one or more thrusters on the connector 602 to match the course of the connector 602 and the pose of the connector 602 with the correct course and the correct pose.

[0052] The impact controller 606 may be at least one of a spring as illustrated in FIG. 6 and a compressible appendage as illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0053] Referring now to FIG. 8, a payload holding mechanism 802 is illustrated. In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 may comprise the payload holdingmechanism. In another embodiment, the apparatus may be communicatively connected to the payload holding mechanism. In an embodiment, the payload may be held above the apparatus 100 for electromagnetically launching an object such that the payload 608 is above the connector 116 (or connector 602) when the connector 116 is released from the releasing section 112. The payload may be connected to two poles using strings 804. Further, the strings may be connected to the payload using a string detachment system. In an embodiment, the string detachment system may be communicatively connected to the apparatus 100. In another embodiment, the apparatus 100 may include the string detachment system. The string detachment system may receive data from the one or more sensors 610 connected to the payload. Further, the string detachment system may disconnect the strings 804 from the payload 608 when the velocity of the payload 608 is equal to Ve. In another embodiment, the string detachment system may disconnect the strings 804 from the payload 608 when the proximity sensors of the set of sensors 610 emit a signal for detaching the strings. The signal is emitted when the distance between the connector pad and the connector is less than a predefined threshold. The predefined threshold may be calibrated by taking into account the speed of the connector 602, the reaction times of the string detaching mechanisms, signal travel time, and the like.

[0054] Referring now to FIG. 9, the payload 608 moving with the velocity Vfmai is illustrated. As seen in the figure, the connector 116 makes a full impact with the payload 608 and the impact controller 606 is completely compressed. At the instant illustrated in the FIG. 9, momentum of the connector 116 is completely transferred to the payload 608. In an embodiment, the connector pad 604 and the impact controller 606 may be detached from the payload 608 once the velocity of the payload 608 matches the Ve.

[0055] Referring now to FIG. 10, an apparatus comprising rails 1004 with electromagnetic coils 1002 arranged one of under, beside, and around the rails1004. The electromagnetic coils 1002 may produce additional magnetic field to generate a force sufficient to help in moving the connector 1006 at a required velocity.

[0056] Exemplary embodiments discussed above may provide certain advantages. Though not required to practice aspects of the disclosure, these advantages may include the following.

[0057] In some embodiments, the payload 608 is protected using the impact controller 606. The connector (116 and 602)is released at extremely high velocity towards the payload 608. A direct contact between the connector (116 and 602) and the payload 608 may damage the payload 608.

[0058] In some embodiments, the connector (116 and 602)and the payload 608 are aligned to each other using the alignment system, the alignment sensors, and the one or more thrusters. The connector (116 and 602)must be aligned with the payload 608 for complete momentum transfer.

[0059] In some embodiments, the payload 608 may be launched into outer space at an extremely low cost compared to launching the payload 608 using a rocket.

[0060] In some embodiments, the apparatus for electromagnetically launching an object 100 may be reused to launch another payload instantly after launching one payload.

[0061] A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically stated, but rather “one or more.” The term “some” refers to one or more. Underlined and / or italicized headings and subheadings are used for convenience only, do not limit the subject technology, and are not referred to in connection with the interpretation of the description of the subject technology. Relational terms such as first and second and the like may be used to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various configurations describedthroughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to be encompassed by the subject technology. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the above description.

[0062] The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims and to encompass all legal equivalents. Notwithstanding, none of the claims are intended to embrace subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirements of the applicable patent law, nor should they be interpreted in such a way.

Claims

Claims:

1. An apparatus for launching an object comprising: an electromagnetic rail (104), wherein a first portion (106) of the electromagnetic rail (104) is straight and a second portion (108) of the electromagnetic rail (104) is curved; a pair of links (114) connecting two sections of the second portion (108) of the electromagnetic rail, wherein the two sections include a detaching section (110) and a releasing section (112); a detaching mechanism (118) connected to the pair of links (114) to disconnect the detaching section (110) from the releasing section (112); and a connector (116) placed on the electromagnetic rail (104), wherein the connector (116) is to slide on the electromagnetic rail (104) due to an electromagnetic force generated on passing of a current through the electromagnetic rail (104), and wherein the connector (116) is to be released from the releasing section (112) based on a velocity of the connector (116).

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, comprising a power source (102) connected to the electromagnetic rail (104) wherein the power source is at least one of a battery, a generator, and an alternating current source.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the connector ( 116) is at least one of a magnet, a conductor coupled with one or more magnets, and a conductor comprising one or more folding parts and a set of sensors (610).

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic rail (104) comprises one or more electromagnetic coils placed at certain intervals.

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the electromagnetic coils are coiled around a magnetic core.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic rail (104) is made of a conducting material.

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the releasing section (112) is a quarter of a circle formed by the curve of the second portion (108).

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detaching mechanism (118) is at least one of a robotic arm and a vehicle having a robotic arm.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, comprising at least one of a velocity monitoring system and one or more sensors attached to the connector (116) to measure the velocity of the connector (116).

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the velocity monitoring system is used to trigger the detaching mechanism (118) based on the velocity of the connector (H6).

11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, comprises a payload (608), wherein the payload (608) is launched to a predetermined distance using the connector (116).

12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the payload (608) comprises an impact controller (606), and wherein the payload (608) and the impact controller (606) have one or more sensors (612).

13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the connector (116) comprises one or more thrusters for aligning the connector (116) with the payload (608).

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