Electropermanent Magnet Aerial Vehicle Securing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for securing aerial vehicles, such as VTOL and UAVs, face challenges in efficiently capturing and releasing them on dynamic platforms like ship decks without human intervention, especially in conditions like wind, rain, or unstable surfaces, and require specific adaptations for different types of vehicles.
Innovation Solution
An aerial vehicle securing system utilizing an electropermanent magnet that generates a magnetic field to capture and secure aerial vehicles using a platform with integrated magnetizable elements and shock-absorbing/pivotal members, allowing for secure landing and release without moving parts and minimal energy consumption, and can be controlled wirelessly based on predetermined parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electromagnetic systems are used for capturing and releasing aerial vehicles, then the release function can be achieved, but the energy consumption increases and reliability decreases in challenging conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromagnetic systems with a purely mechanical cable-based system. The cable tensioning mechanism uses mechanical force from winches to capture and secure the aerial vehicle, eliminating the need for electromagnetic actuators during the securing operation. This mechanical substitution reduces energy consumption and improves reliability in challenging conditions where electromagnetic systems may fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple cables (typically three or more) arranged in a redundant configuration. This excessive action ensures that even if one or more cables fail, the aerial vehicle remains securely captured. The redundant cable system provides fail-safe operation, improving reliability without requiring high-energy electromagnetic systems for each individual cable.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex securing mechanisms are used to handle different types of aerial vehicles, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal cable-based securing mechanism that can accommodate multiple types of aerial vehicles including fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft, and vertical take-off and landing vehicles. The same basic cable tensioning system secures all vehicle types by anchoring to their landing gear or fuselage, eliminating the need for vehicle-specific electromagnetic mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing system is divided into independent cable segments, each with its own tensioning mechanism. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different vehicle configurations by selectively tensioning appropriate cables, while maintaining a simple modular structure that does not require complex integrated mechanisms for each vehicle type.
3Measurement precision
If precise alignment mechanisms are used for capturing aerial vehicles, then capture precision is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cable-based securing system is designed to be self-aligning during the capture process. As the aerial vehicle approaches the platform, the cables naturally tension and guide the vehicle into the correct position. This passive self-alignment eliminates the need for active electromagnetic alignment mechanisms, reducing both device complexity and energy consumption while achieving sufficient capture precision for securement.
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 efficient and energy-efficient capture and release of aerial vehicles on various platforms, including dynamic ones, without precise alignment, and can handle different types of vehicles with reduced human intervention, ensuring secure landing and take-off operations even in challenging conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an electropermanent magnet (22) integrated to the platform (20) and configured for generating a magnetic field for magnetically attracting the magnetizable element
Implementation Method 2
magnetic forces generated by an electropermanent magnet to easily capture and secure an aerial vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~2
Figure 3
AI summary
An aerial vehicle securing system for use with a base portion of an aerial vehicle, comprising: at least one substantially flat platform for supporting said base portion upon landing of the aerial vehicle thereon; at least one magnetizable element configured to be integrated in one of said platform and said base portion; at least one electropermanent magnet configured to be integrated in another one of said platform and said base portion, said electropermanent magnet being configured for generating a magnetic field, so that upon a distance between said base portion and said platform reaching a pre-determined value during the landing of the aerial vehicle on the platform, said magnetic field is configured to cause at least said one magnetizable element to be attracted to at least said one electropermanent magnet; a power supply module configured for generating an electric current to said at least one electropermanent magnet for selectively generating and cancelling said magnetic field; and a controlling module configured for controlling supply of said electric current.