Drone Launch Canister With Foldable Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
The size and delicate nature of drones make them cumbersome to assemble and transport, requiring a more efficient system for storage and deployment.
Innovation Solution
A drone launch system featuring a canister with a stowed drone that ejects and transitions into a deployed state, utilizing foldable arms and a launch vehicle with sensors for controlled deployment, allowing for compact storage and efficient launch from various platforms, including water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the drone is stored in a deployed state with arms extended, then the propulsion systems are readily accessible and functional, but the space occupied is large and transport becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The drone's arms are divided into extendable segments that can be folded against the main body during storage and extended during operation. This segmentation allows the drone to transition between compact and functional configurations, resolving the contradiction between storage volume and operational readiness.
Solution Approach 2:
The drone employs dynamic arm structures that can change their configuration from retracted to extended positions. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt its volume based on operational requirements, maintaining compactness during transport while providing full functionality during operation.
2Volume of moving object
If the drone is stored in a compact stowed state, then space occupancy is reduced and transport is simplified, but assembly and deployment become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The drone's arms are pre-configured with hinges and connection mechanisms that enable automatic or semi-automatic deployment. The preliminary arrangement of mechanical components allows for simplified deployment procedures, reducing the complexity burden that would otherwise result from compact storage design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the drone is manually assembled and transported, then flexibility in deployment locations is maintained, but time and labor resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The drone is stored within a canister in a nested configuration, with arms folded against the main body. This nesting arrangement enables rapid deployment by simply extracting the drone from the canister, eliminating time-consuming assembly procedures while maintaining the ability to deploy to various locations.
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 compact storage and efficient deployment of drones, reducing space occupancy and simplifying transportation, while allowing for precise and controlled launch from different environments.
Implementation Method 1
a launch vehicle configured to eject the drone from the canister
Implementation Method 2
a spring configured to propel the drone outward from the canister
Implementation Method 3
The extension beam may swing about the hinge into an extended position in the deployed state
Data Source
AI summary
A drone launch system includes a canister defining an internal cavity, and a drone positioned within the internal cavity in a stowed state. The drone is configured to be ejected from the canister and transition from the stowed state into a deployed state outside of the canister. A method for launching a drone, the method includes positioning the drone in a stowed state in an internal cavity of a canister, ejecting the drone from the canister, and transitioning the drone into a deployed state after the ejecting operation.