Adhesive Line Apparatus for Airborne Target Interception
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for disabling airborne targets, such as unmanned rotorcraft, often leave the targets difficult to control after interception, as they may remain airborne and pose a threat due to interference with rotors or additional mass from nets.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising flexible tubular lines with adhesive capabilities and multiple line types of varying diameters, which can bond to non-moving parts of the target, including rotors or propellers, and be used to tether and drag the target to a safer location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a net is fired towards the target to intercept it, then the target rotorcraft becomes partially disabled by interference with rotors or attachment of the net, but the disabled target rotorcraft still poses a threat due to difficulty in controlling its landing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adhesive as an intermediary substance applied to the net lines. When the net intercepts the target rotorcraft, the adhesive bonds the net to the target, providing reliable attachment while allowing the intercepting aircraft to control the target's movement and landing trajectory, thus resolving the contradiction between interception effectiveness and landing control
2Reliability
If a net is used to intercept the target, then the target becomes disabled, but the net adds extra mass that affects flight and may still allow the target to pose a threat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the net by coating it with adhesive substance. This transformation allows the net to bond chemically/mechanically with the target surface, providing effective disablement without requiring large amounts of net material, thus minimizing the added mass while maintaining reliable target capture
3Reliability
If adhesive is applied to the net to improve attachment, then bonding to non-moving parts is achieved, but the adhesive must be delivered through a complex delivery mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible tubular members to contain and deliver the adhesive. These thin-walled flexible containers can be easily integrated with the net structure, allowing adhesive delivery without complex mechanical systems. The flexibility of the tubular members allows them to conform to the net's movement and deployment, simplifying the overall delivery mechanism while ensuring reliable adhesive application
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively inhibits and controls the motion of airborne targets by ensuring reliable attachment and interference with rotors or propellers, allowing for safe transportation to a more favorable location.
Implementation Method 1
The aircraft comprises a frame, from which is suspended the at least one line. The line can tend to attach to the target by way of bonding
Implementation Method 2
The flexible tubular member may comprise: a plurality of slits through the wall, which slits are configured to remain generally closed, but on deformation of the flexible tubular member can open to permit the expression of the adhesive
Implementation Method 3
The wall of the tubular member may be in the form of a porous matrix such that the fluid adhesive may be urged to the outer diameter of the tubular member
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3~4b
AI summary
There is disclosed a line apparatus for inhibiting an airborne target. The line apparatus comprises at least one line comprising: a flexible tubular member, having a wall and defining a bore; and a fluid adhesive housed within the flexible tubular member, wherein the flexible tubular member is configured to express the fluid adhesive through the wall.