Drone Shell Launcher with Precessional Guide Rails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drones face limitations in usability beyond reconnaissance in wartime scenarios due to the high cost and economic burden of sensor systems for weapons like EFPs, which are essential for neutralizing enemy tanks.
Innovation Solution
A shell launcher system for drones that includes a shell delivery casing, a launching rotor, a gimbal unit, precessional guide rails, and a door lock mechanism, allowing for the mounting and launching of shells, enabling the drone to function as a versatile weapon system and reducing operational costs by utilizing existing drone technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If drones are equipped with expensive sensor systems for weapons like EFPs to enable wartime operations, then the weapon system effectiveness is improved, but the operational cost and economic burden increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The drone is designed with a universal launcher that can accommodate multiple types of shells (EFP, HE, smoke shells) through a standardized interface. The launcher structure with adjustable guide rails and universal mounting mechanisms enables a single drone platform to perform various weapon functions, reducing the need for multiple specialized expensive sensor systems while maintaining operational effectiveness across different mission types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If drones are limited to reconnaissance operations only, then operational cost is reduced, but usability and versatility in wartime situations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The weapon system is segmented into modular components: a standardized launcher unit, interchangeable shells, and a coupling mechanism that interfaces with the drone. This segmentation allows the drone to maintain its simplicity for reconnaissance while enabling add-on weapon capabilities through the modular launcher system, which can be attached or removed based on mission requirements without complicating the core drone system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a shell launcher system is added to the drone to enable weapon operations, then the weapon system versatility is improved, but the device complexity and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The launcher structure is merged with the drone's existing framework by utilizing the drone's mounting points and structural elements. The coupling mechanism integrates the launcher with the drone body, sharing structural support and control systems where possible. This merging approach reduces the overall complexity compared to a completely separate launcher system, as components are combined rather than added independently.
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
The shell launcher system enhances the usability of drones in various weapon systems, particularly for EFPs, by allowing for efficient and cost-effective operation, improving their effectiveness in wartime situations by enabling the drone to launch shells and hit targets while maintaining stability and control.
Implementation Method 1
a launching rotor disposed on a top of the shell delivery casing and rotating the shell delivery casing
Implementation Method 2
a gimbal unit disposed between the drone coupler and the launching rotor to maintain vertical and horizontal positions of the shell delivery casing
Implementation Method 3
precessional guide rails disposed at an angle in the shell delivery casing and guiding the shells that are released downward to cause the shells to precess
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed are a shell launcher for a drone and a method of launching shells for a drone. According to the shell launcher for a drone and the method of launching shells for a drone, by launching shells such as EFPs using a drone, it is possible to use a drone as various weapon systems.