Collapsible UAV Net Assembly for Non-Destructive Drone Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for dealing with unidentified unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in sensitive areas often result in destructive interference, posing risks to people and property, and lack non-destructive capture solutions for investigation and reverse engineering.
Innovation Solution
A counter-UAV drone system equipped with net assemblies, including static, entrapment, and rotatable configurations, that can intercept and capture target UAVs without causing significant damage, using AI and Computer Vision for autonomous operation and precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If destructive interference methods are used to deal with unidentified UAVs, then the UAV can be neutralized, but people and property are at risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the neutralization function from destructive methods and places it into a non-destructive net capture system. The net assembly physically captures the target UAV without causing damage, separating the capture function from harmful interference methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful interception scenario into a beneficial non-destructive capture. Instead of using harmful electromagnetic interference or physical destruction, the system uses a net to safely capture the UAV, turning a risky operation into a safe one that allows for subsequent investigation.
2Loss of information
If non-destructive capture methods are used, then investigation and reverse engineering are enabled, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the capture system into modular components: a collapsible net assembly with multiple panels, hinge connections, and attachment mechanisms to the drone frame. This segmentation allows the complex function to be achieved through simpler, manageable parts that can be independently controlled.
Solution Approach 2:
The net assembly incorporates dynamic elements including collapsible panels that can transition between stored and deployed states, hinged connections that allow movement during capture, and adjustable tensioning mechanisms. These dynamic features enable the system to adapt to different capture scenarios without requiring overly complex rigid structures.
3Reliability
If a large net assembly is used to ensure complete capture, then capture reliability improves, but the device weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the net panels are arranged to fold and store within the drone's own structure when not in use. The collapsible panels can be contained within the drone frame or mounted in a compact configuration, allowing the full net assembly to be deployed only when capture is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The net assembly uses collapsible and expandable structures that transition from a compact stored state to a full deployment state during capture. This dynamic transformation allows the system to have small weight and size during normal operation while providing complete capture capability when activated.
4Ease of operation
If the net assembly is made collapsible for compact storage, then ease of deployment improves, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates spring-loaded mechanisms and elastic elements in the hinge connections that use mechanical energy storage and release to automate the deployment and collapse sequences. This reduces the need for complex active control systems while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible net assembly uses self-actuating mechanisms where the deployment and collapse occur automatically through mechanical linkages, spring forces, and gravity. The structure serves itself by transitioning between states without requiring complex external control, reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An example of a drone includes a drone chassis, a plurality of motors attached to the drone chassis and a plurality of propellers coupled to the plurality of motors. The drone further includes a net assembly mounted to the drone chassis. The net assembly extends above the plurality of propellers. The net assembly including a bottom portion and a plurality of upright frame members that are mounted to the bottom portion by a plurality of articulating joints.