Automated Aircraft Retrieval via Weighted Cable Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for launching, retrieving, and servicing hovering aircraft, such as the Beartrap system, require manual operation, substantial infrastructure, and are not suitable for unmanned aircraft or turbulent conditions, especially when landing on a moving ship in rough seas.
Innovation Solution
A fully automated method involving an aircraft that drops a weighted cable, captures it with a retrieval apparatus, and docks into a funnel-like receptacle for servicing, allowing for autonomous operations in calm or rough conditions without the need for extensive manual intervention or infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the Beartrap system is used for retrieval, then retrieval safety is improved, but device complexity and infrastructure requirements increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential retrieval function from the complex Beartrap system by using a simple cable guide structure that directs the cable into the aircraft's intake, eliminating the need for substantial ground infrastructure while maintaining retrieval safety through automated guidance
Solution Approach 2:
The aircraft performs self-retrieval by using its own propulsion system to fly into the cable guide and capture the cable through its intake, eliminating the need for manual operation and complex ground-based winching equipment
2Ease of operation
If manual operation is used for retrieval, then operational control is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to coordination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft autonomously navigates to the cable guide, captures the cable through its intake, and returns to base without manual intervention, achieving full automation while simplifying operational procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses visual or sensor-based feedback to guide the aircraft into the cable guide and ensure proper cable capture, enabling automated operation with high precision without requiring manual coordination
3Reliability
If a complete undercarriage is carried by the helicopter, then landing capability is improved, but weight of moving object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the landing function from the aircraft by using the cable guide structure on the ground to provide guidance and support during retrieval, allowing the aircraft to operate without a heavy undercarriage while maintaining safe landing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The cable guide structure acts as an intermediary that provides guidance and support during the retrieval process, compensating for the absence of a heavy undercarriage on the aircraft while ensuring safe operation
4Ease of operation
If automated retrieval is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates in turbulent conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The cable guide structure is designed to be flexible and adaptive, allowing it to accommodate aircraft movements in turbulent conditions while maintaining guidance accuracy through dynamic adjustment of the cable path
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates margins of error in the cable guide design and control algorithms to accommodate turbulence and environmental variations, ensuring reliable automated operation under adverse conditions
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
Enables lightweight, portable, and efficient automated retrieval and launch of small unmanned aircraft in various conditions, reducing operational complexity and infrastructure requirements while ensuring safety and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the aircraft drops a weighted cable
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus configured to automatically retrieve, service, and launch an aircraft. For retrieval, the aircraft drops a weighted cable, and pulls it at low relative speed into a broad aperture of the apparatus. In certain instances, the cable is dragged along guiding surfaces of the apparatus into and through a slot until its free end is captured. The aircraft becomes anchored to the apparatus, and is pulled downward by the cable into a receptacle. Guiding surfaces of the receptacle adjust the position and orientation of a probe on the aircraft, directing the probe to mate with a docking fixture of the apparatus. Once mated, the aircraft is automatically shut down and serviced. When desired, the aircraft is automatically started and tested in preparation for launch, and then released into free flight. A full ground-handling cycle is thus accomplished with a simple, economical apparatus.