Foldable Drone Capture Net for Counter-UAV Interception

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing counter-drone systems face limitations in effectively capturing illegal or threatening drones due to range constraints and aerodynamic drag issues, particularly with large UAVs required for net deployment.

Innovation Solution

A compact drone capture aerial vehicle with a multi-folded frame assembly and flexible capturing net that unfolds to maximize intercepting area, reducing drag and enabling efficient capture and transport of targeted drones.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If large UAV systems are used to carry counter-drone nets in the air, then the capturing capability is improved, but the aerodynamic drag and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapturing capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The capturing system is divided into modular components: a compact frame assembly with multiple arms that can be independently folded, a net deployment mechanism, and a housing unit. This segmentation allows the system to maintain capturing capability while reducing overall complexity and enabling compact storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame arms are designed to fold nested against each other and against the housing during storage and transport. The net is stored within the housing structure, and the entire capture device can be retracted into the UAV fuselage, creating a nested configuration that minimizes drag and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If the capturing net is deployed to cover largest intercepting area, then the capture effectiveness is improved, but the aerodynamic drag increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapture effectivenessVSAvoidaerodynamic drag

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The frame assembly transitions from a compact folded state during flight to an expanded deployed state during capture operations. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to minimize aerodynamic drag during transit while maximizing intercepting area when capture effectiveness is required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The frame arms are pre-positioned in a folded configuration within the housing before deployment. Upon activation, they rapidly unfold and extend outward to maximize the intercepting area, allowing the system to prepare for capture effectiveness while maintaining low drag during approach and flight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10759532B2Drone capture aerial vehicles and methods of using the same

Publication Date: 2020.09.01 ZHANG HANHUI

AI summary

A drone capture aerial vehicle includes a fuselage and a drone capture device. The drone capture device includes a middle post and a plurality of foldable frame arms; the middle post includes a first end and a second end; and each foldable frame arm includes a plurality of ribs and a plurality of links. A method of capturing a drone includes providing a drone capture aerial vehicle, the drone capture aerial vehicle having a drone capture device and the drone capture device having a foldable capture net; flying the drone capture aerial vehicle toward the drone; activating the drone capture device to deploy the foldable capture net; and capturing the drone with the capture net.