Dynamic UAV Launch and Retrieval System for Moving Carriers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for launching and retrieving Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) require stationary positions, leading to increased overhead time and operational limitations, especially when performing missions in security-risk areas.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a UAV carrier with a mechanical arm and a UAV pad, controlled by a controller that determines optimal deployment and retrieval positions and orientations, allowing UAVs to be launched and retrieved while the carrier is in motion, reducing the need for stationary stops and enhancing operational flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional stationary launch and retrieval methods are used, then UAV deployment is reliable and simple, but overhead time increases and operational flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the stationary launch and retrieval system into a dynamic one by enabling the carrier to move during UAV operations. The mechanical arm and UAV pad are designed to adjust their positions and orientations dynamically to accommodate the moving carrier, allowing launch and retrieval operations to occur while the carrier is in motion, thereby reducing overhead time and improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary positioning and orientation adjustments of the mechanical arm and UAV pad before the actual launch or retrieval operation. The controller pre-calculates the required positions and orientations based on the carrier's motion state, ensuring that the mechanical arm and UAV pad are ready for immediate operation, thus reducing the overall time required for UAV deployment and recovery.
2Adaptability or versatility
If stationary positions are used for UAV launch and retrieval, then operational simplicity is maintained, but operational flexibility and mission capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical arm and UAV pad system is designed with multi-functionality to handle both stationary and moving carrier operations. The same mechanical arm can perform positioning, orientation adjustment, and UAV handling functions, while the UAV pad can accommodate various launch and retrieval scenarios. This universal design enables the system to adapt to different operational requirements without requiring separate specialized equipment, thereby improving operational flexibility while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that coordinates the complex interactions between the moving carrier, mechanical arm, and UAV pad. It processes sensor data, calculates optimal positions and orientations, and generates control commands for the mechanical arm and UAV pad. This centralized control mediation simplifies the overall system complexity by providing a single point of coordination rather than requiring complex distributed control mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the carrier stops for UAV deployment, then safe and simple operations are achieved, but exposure to security risks increases and mission efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the carrier to skip the stopping phase entirely by performing UAV launch and retrieval operations while in motion. The mechanical arm and UAV pad are positioned and oriented rapidly to complete the operations within the brief window of carrier movement, allowing the carrier to continue its mission without pausing, thereby minimizing exposure to security risks while maintaining operational safety through controlled dynamic operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for deploying and retrieving an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV (200)) with a UAV carrier (300) including a UAV bay, where the system includes a UAV pad (600) including a UAV pad base and a UAV pad coupler (610) to couple the UAV (200) to the UAV pad base (600); a mechanical arm (400) including a first end configured to couple to the UAV carrier (300), and a second end configured to couple to the UAV pad (600); and a controller configured to determine a deployment position for the UAV pad (600), determine a retrieval position for the UAV pad (600), control the UAV pad (600), and control the mechanical arm (400).