Aircraft Capture Device with Rotating Locking Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft retrieval methods, such as parachute-assisted descent and safe landing, are cumbersome, inefficient, and require safe locations, making them unsuitable for mid-air retrieval of unmanned or remote aircraft during flight missions, especially when dealing with multiple aircraft.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft-to-aircraft retrieval system featuring a capture device with rotatable locking arms and solenoids, activated by contact detection, allows for secure capture and retrieval of remote aircraft by a transport aircraft during flight, enabling efficient and repeatable deployment and retrieval of multiple aircraft without the need for safe landing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If parachute-assisted descent or safe landing methods are used for aircraft retrieval, then the aircraft can be retrieved, but the process is cumbersome, inefficient, and requires safe locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical retrieval systems (parachutes, landing procedures) with an automated mid-air capture system using robotic locking arms, solenoids, and probes. This substitution eliminates the need for safe landing locations and reduces operational complexity by automating the capture process during flight.
Solution Approach 2:
The capture device incorporates self-activating mechanisms where the locking arms automatically engage with the probe upon contact detection. The solenoids and rollers are designed to self-regulate and self-lock, reducing the need for external control and manual intervention, thereby improving efficiency and removing location constraints.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional retrieval methods are used, then aircraft can be recovered, but they require safe landing locations and are unsuitable for mid-air retrieval during flight missions
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static ground-based retrieval to dynamic mid-air capture. The locking arms are designed to rotate about axes, the probe can detect contact dynamically, and the solenoids can activate at any moment during flight, enabling retrieval at any location and time without requiring the aircraft to land first.
Solution Approach 2:
The capture device is pre-configured with locking arms in unlocked positions and solenoids ready to activate. The probe is positioned to make contact with the aircraft probe, and upon contact detection, the system immediately initiates the locking sequence, minimizing the time loss associated with traditional landing and recovery procedures.
3Productivity
If multiple aircraft are deployed and retrieved sequentially using traditional methods, then each aircraft can be recovered, but the process is inefficient and repetitive
Solution Approach 1:
The capture device is designed as a universal system that can handle multiple aircraft of different types using the same locking arm mechanism, probe, and solenoid array. The standardized interface and automated detection allow the same device to efficiently retrieve various aircraft without requiring complex specialized equipment for each aircraft type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous deployment and retrieval operations by maintaining the capture device in a ready state with locking arms positioned and solenoids activated. Multiple aircraft can be captured in succession without interrupting the flight mission, as the device remains operational and ready for immediate engagement with the next aircraft.
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
Facilitates secure, efficient, and repeatable mid-air retrieval of remote aircraft, avoiding the limitations of parachute-assisted systems and enabling deployment and retrieval of multiple aircraft within a single flight mission, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid configured to move the locking arm into the locked configuration
Implementation Method 2
an actuation mechanism comprising rollers attached to a plate, wherein each of the rollers is in contact with a corresponding locking arm, wherein rotation of the plate transitions the one or more locking arms between the unlocked configuration and the locked configuration
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft-to-aircraft retrieval system can be used to capture a remote aircraft for retrieval into and service by a transport aircraft during a flight mission. An aircraft capture device can be towed from the transport aircraft and brought into proximity with the remote aircraft during flight. A probe of the remote aircraft can be received within a receptacle of the aircraft capture device, and locking cables or locking arms of the aircraft capture device can be secured onto a portion of the probe. The aircraft capture device can be provided with an activation switch for detecting contact with the probe located in the receptacle and for transmitting an indication of the contact to initiate engagement of the probe. The aircraft capture device can be locked to the probe while it is reeled to the transport aircraft for retrieval of the remote aircraft.