Aerostat Midair UAV Deployment Trigger Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) face limitations in range and payload capacity due to the significant battery capacity required for lifting themselves and payloads to altitude, restricting their mission capabilities.

Innovation Solution

An aerostat system for midair deployment of payloads, comprising an inflatable structure, a tether, and a trigger mechanism with a spring and hook, allows UAVs to be lifted to altitude using aerostatic lift, freeing up battery capacity for extended range and increased payload, with a drain valve for efficient buoyancy management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If battery-powered UAVs are used to lift payloads to altitude, then payload delivery capability is achieved, but battery capacity is significantly consumed reducing range and extending mission time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepayload capacityVSAvoidbattery capacity consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the anti-weight principle by introducing an aerostat (balloon) that provides buoyant lift to counteract the weight of the UAV and payload. This external lifting force replaces a significant portion of the battery-powered lift that would otherwise be required, thereby reducing energy consumption and extending mission capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

2Adaptability or versatility

If battery capacity is increased to extend range and payload capacity, then mission capabilities are improved, but UAV size and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemission capabilityVSAvoidUAV weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By using the aerostat's buoyant force to counteract weight, the system achieves extended range and payload capacity without proportionally increasing UAV battery size or weight. The aerostat externally provides the lifting force that would otherwise require larger onboard energy systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Use of energy by moving object

If aerostat is used to lift UAV to altitude, then battery capacity efficiency is improved, but mechanism for reliable midair release and buoyancy management is needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery capacity efficiencyVSAvoidrelease mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the release mechanism with a spring-loaded trigger system that is prepared for automatic activation. The spring is pre-compressed and the trigger is positioned to release the tether connection when activated, enabling reliable midair separation without complex active control systems during the release moment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded trigger mechanism is designed to be self-actuating, using the stored elastic energy in the compressed spring to automatically sever or release the tether connection. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external power sources or complex electronic control systems for the release function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If drain valve is added to manage buoyancy after payload release, then aerostat operational efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerostat operational efficiencyVSAvoidvalve system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drain valve system is designed to automatically regulate buoyancy based on environmental conditions such as temperature and pressure changes. The valve opens or closes in response to these conditions without requiring active control, allowing the aerostat to self-adjust its buoyancy and maintain optimal operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

This system enables UAVs to be efficiently lifted to altitude using aerostatic lift, extending their range and payload capacity, while the drain valve ensures efficient buoyancy, allowing the aerostat to continue operating after payload release, facilitating communication and other mission functions.

Implementation Method 1

the spring having a first section and a second section, the linkage restricting movement of the first section of the spring, the second section of the spring resiliently flexible relative to the first section of the spring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

an aerostat system for midair deployment of payloads... allows UAVs to be lifted to altitude using aerostatic lift

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentUS11866196B1Payload deployment from aerostats

Publication Date: 2024.01.09 LTAG SYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

According to one aspect, a system for midair deployment of payload may include an aerostat including an inflatable structure, at least one tether, and a trigger, the at least one tether extending between the inflatable structure and the trigger, and at least one unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) including wings, the at least one tether mechanically coupling the at least one UAV to the inflatable structure, and the trigger actuatable to release mechanical coupling of the at least one tether between the at least one UAV and the inflatable structure in midair.