Drone Vacuum Payload Mounting for Low-Reflection Rearming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing payloads to drones are hindered by radar reflections from pylons, time-consuming rearming processes, and the need for matching connectors, which limits flexibility and efficiency in payload attachment.
Innovation Solution
A payload attachment system using vacuum mounting modules with vacuum pumps, microcontrollers, and transceivers to securely attach payloads to drones without pylons, enabling quick and flexible attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If pylons are used to secure payloads to drones, then payloads can be structurally supported, but radar reflections increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pylon structure entirely from the drone system. Instead of using external pylons to support payloads, the invention integrates payload attachment directly to the drone's airframe using vacuum mounting technology, thereby eliminating the radar-reflecting pylon components while maintaining payload support capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical connection systems ( pylons with connectors) with a vacuum-based attachment system. The vacuum mounting modules use suction forces to secure payloads to the drone airframe, substituting the mechanical pylon structure with a non-contact vacuum holding mechanism that does not create radar reflections.
2Reliability
If traditional connector systems are used to secure payloads, then payloads can be attached, but rearming time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum mounting modules are pre-positioned on the drone airframe before payload attachment. This preliminary positioning allows payloads to be quickly secured by simply engaging them with the pre-prepared vacuum mounts, eliminating the time-consuming process of assembling and aligning traditional connector systems during rearming operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using active mechanical connectors that require precise alignment and engagement, the system uses passive vacuum surfaces that automatically secure payloads through suction. The payload itself becomes the active element that engages with the vacuum mount, reversing the traditional approach and simplifying the attachment process for faster rearming.
3Reliability
If matching connectors are required for payload attachment, then secure connection is achieved, but system flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum mounting modules create a universal attachment interface that can secure various payload types without requiring specific matching connectors. The vacuum-based system provides a standardized mounting surface that is compatible with different payload configurations, enabling the drone to carry diverse payloads while maintaining secure attachment through the same vacuum mount design.
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
Reduces radar reflections, enhances payload capacity, and allows rapid rearming of drones without returning to a base station, improving operational efficiency and flexibility in securing various payloads.
Implementation Method 1
wherein the vacuum pump creates a vacuum within the vacuum cup that releasably secures the payload to the drone
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a payload attachment system secure a payload to a wing or fuselage of the drone (or another type of aircraft) using one or more vacuum mounting modules, wherein each vacuum mounting module comprises at least one vacuum pump controllably coupled to a microcontroller, a vacuum cup fluidly coupled to the at least one vacuum pump, and a transceiver that receives an instruction corresponding to one of a vacuum cup actuation signal or a vacuum cup release signal.