Integrated Airspace Defense System for Drone Detection and Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting and intercepting small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) are impractical due to high costs and limited detection ranges, lacking effective solutions for identifying and neutralizing hostile drones in secure areas like military bases and government installations.
Innovation Solution
An integrated airspace defense system (IADS) comprising a detection device (Panotect) with wide-field cameras and a computer-controlled pan-tilt unit, an interdiction drone (Stone Drone) with an armored shell for kinetic impact, and a net capture system, along with a recovery beacon for locating entangled drones, providing comprehensive drone detection, capture, and recovery capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If radar or radio frequency detection systems are used for drone detection, then detection range is extended, but system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex radar and radio frequency detection systems with a simpler optical camera-based detection system. The camera system uses standard imaging technology to detect, track, and identify drones, eliminating the need for expensive and complex electromagnetic detection infrastructure while maintaining effective detection range and accuracy.
2Reliability
If kinetic impact drones with armored shells are used for drone interdiction, then capture reliability is improved, but device complexity and potential harm increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic capture system where the intercept drone can switch between different capture modes. The net deployment mechanism allows the system to adapt to different target scenarios, providing reliable capture while minimizing harm. The net system can be deployed selectively based on target identification and threat assessment, reducing unnecessary kinetic impact.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple detection cameras with pan-tilt units are deployed to cover wide areas, then detection coverage is improved, but device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional camera system where each camera unit serves multiple purposes: detection, tracking, identification, and surveillance. The pan-tilt mechanism allows a single camera to cover multiple directions and angles, reducing the total number of camera units needed while maintaining comprehensive area coverage. The system can dynamically allocate camera resources based on detected target priority.
4Reliability
If net capture systems with deployable mechanisms are used for drone capture, then capture effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated net deployment system that operates autonomously once a target is identified. The intercept drone independently navigates to the target, positions the net, and executes capture without requiring complex manual coordination. The system self-manages the entire capture sequence, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high capture effectiveness through automated control algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated airspace defense system for identifying and locating a suspicious unmanned aerial vehicle. The system including at least one detection device to monitor the air space and provide a detection information; a computer to process the detection information and identifying the presence of suspicious unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) using a sequence of detection algorithms. The integrated airspace defense system identifies and locates the suspicious UAV. In at least one embodiment the integrated airspace defense system is capable of capturing or destroying the suspicious UAV.