Deployable Net Airfoil Lift Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current capture mechanisms for airborne objects, such as drones, either require significant counter-weights for dragged nets or heavy propellant systems for projected nets, leading to performance limitations and single-use deployments, with a risk of aircraft collision.
Innovation Solution
A deployable net system for an intercepting vehicle featuring a body with tensioning lines and an open-mesh matrix of fibers, where airfoil sections on the net perimeter generate lift to deploy the net into a capture orientation, allowing multiple attempts without significant weight penalty or collision risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a dragged net mechanism is used with counter-weights to keep the net deployed, then the capture area is maintained, but the aircraft performance is significantly reduced due to the heavy counter-weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional heavy counter-weights with aerodynamic lift generated by airfoil sections attached to the net perimeter. The airfoils generate upward lift force that counteracts the downward drag of the deployed net, eliminating the need for massive counter-weight systems while maintaining the net in a deployed capture orientation during aircraft flight
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical counter-weight system with an aerodynamic system. Instead of using mass-based counter-balancing, the net is held in deployment through aerodynamic lift forces generated by airfoil sections, replacing a mechanical weight-based system with a fluid-dynamics-based system that is much lighter
2Speed
If a projected capture mechanism is used with propellant to launch the net forward, then capture speed is improved, but the device becomes large and heavy relative to the carrying vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the heavy propellant launching system from the aircraft. Instead of projecting the net forward using compressed gas or gun powder, the net is simply released and allowed to deploy behind the aircraft, using aerodynamic forces rather than active propulsion
Solution Approach 2:
The net system becomes self-deploying through aerodynamic forces. Once released from the aircraft, the airfoil sections automatically generate lift that deploys the net into its capture orientation without requiring external propellant or active launching mechanisms
3Reliability
If a projected capture mechanism is used, then capture capability is enhanced, but the aircraft risks flying into the launched mechanism and the system allows only one capture attempt per deployment
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of projecting the net forward in front of the aircraft, the patent inverts the deployment direction by releasing the net to deploy backward behind the aircraft. This eliminates the collision risk of the aircraft flying into its own launch mechanism while maintaining effective capture capability in the rearward deployment zone
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 efficient and multiple attempts at capturing airborne targets with reduced weight and risk of aircraft collision, maximizing capture area and minimizing performance impact on the intercepting vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one airfoil section is arranged such that lift created by the at least one airfoil section when the net is towed behind the intercepting vehicle acts outwardly on the perimeter of the net, deploying the net into a capture orientation
Data Source
AI summary
An intercepting vehicle includes a body, at least one tensioning line attached to the body, and a net attached to the at least one tensioning line for towing the net behind the intercepting vehicle. The net includes a perimeter surrounding an open-mesh matrix of fibers and at least one airfoil section disposed on the perimeter of the net, where the at least one airfoil section is arranged such that lift created by the at least one airfoil section when the net is towed behind the intercepting vehicle acts outwardly on the perimeter of the net, deploying the net into a capture orientation.