Capturing Hook for Autonomous UAV Cable Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UAVs and UAV systems are not entirely self-sufficient, requiring routine charging and refueling, and lack autonomous capture and release capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A self-charging aerial vehicle surveillance system that includes a UAV equipped with an onboard battery, capturing hook, and sensor payload, capable of autonomously traveling between a Waypoint Location and a Ground Control Station, where it can couple and decouple with an arresting cable for charging, using a vision-based navigation system to target and engage the cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If existing UAVs require routine charging and refueling, then operational continuity is limited, but system complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV system performs self-service through autonomous cable capture and self-charging operations. The capturing hook automatically engages with the arresting cable, and the vehicle returns to the charging station to recharge its battery without human intervention, enabling continuous operation and eliminating routine maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures continuous operational capability by implementing a cycle where the UAV autonomously returns to the charging station to recharge. This continuous recharge-capture-fly cycle eliminates downtime and maintains uninterrupted surveillance operations
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing UAVs lack autonomous capture and release capabilities, then operational flexibility is reduced, but manual intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The capturing hook is designed to autonomously capture the arresting cable and the UAV automatically returns to the charging station without manual intervention. The system performs self-service in both cable capture and charging operations, enabling full autonomy
Solution Approach 2:
The capturing hook incorporates movable gates that can dynamically open and close to engage or release the cable. This dynamic mechanism allows the UAV to autonomously capture and release cables based on operational requirements, enhancing flexibility
3Ease of operation
If UAVs use traditional charging methods, then charging conditions are restrictive, but charging infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The arresting cable serves as an intermediary element that the UAV captures to access the charging station. This cable-mediated approach allows the UAV to reach charging infrastructure remotely, simplifying operational requirements while maintaining a relatively simple charging station design
Data Source
AI summary
A capturing hook for engaging a cable during capture and release of an aerial vehicle may comprise a first and second gate pivotally supported at their first ends by a base portion and each being movable between a closed position and an open position, but spring-biased to the closed position. The capturing hook may further include a latch device comprising a movable locking part biased by a return spring to a locked position to lock the second gate in the closed position.