Biodegradable Fiber Cloud for UAV Lift Interruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current anti-drone technologies face challenges in effectively and safely removing UAVs from the sky, particularly when they pose a threat, due to the need for precise targeting and the limitations of existing mechanical and electromagnetic disruption methods, which may not be effective against advanced navigation systems.
Innovation Solution
The Fibrous Occlusion of and Interruption of Lift (FOIL) system deploys a cloud of biodegradable fibers to physically interfere with UAV propellers, disrupting their ability to generate thrust and remain aloft, without requiring precise targeting information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical disruption technologies (nets) are used to capture drones, then the drone can be physically captured, but precise targeting is required which becomes ineffective against advanced navigation systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical net-based capture systems with a fibrous disruption system. Instead of using nets that require precise targeting, the invention deploys fiber material that disrupts the drone's lift mechanism through physical interference with the airfoil surfaces, eliminating the need for precise aiming while maintaining capture effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fiber material as an intermediary substance between the disruption device and the drone. The fibers act as a mediator that interferes with the airflow over the drone's airfoil, creating turbulence and loss of lift without requiring direct mechanical contact or precise targeting of the drone itself.
2Reliability
If electromagnetic disruption strategies (signal jamming) are used, then drone control signals can be blocked, but advances in autonomous operation make these signals ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electromagnetic signal-based disruption with a purely mechanical/physical disruption approach. Instead of attempting to jam or intercept radio signals (which autonomous drones can ignore), the invention uses physical fiber material to directly interfere with the drone's aerodynamic lift generation, making the disruption effective regardless of the drone's navigation system or control signals.
3Reliability
If traditional anti-drone methods are used, then drones can be disrupted, but collateral damage to persons, property and the environment occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable, biodegradable fiber material that is harmless to the environment and surrounding objects. The fiber material is designed to be lightweight, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly, eliminating the collateral damage associated with traditional methods such as explosive devices or heavy mechanical nets that could damage property or harm persons.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of physical disruption into a beneficial and safe process. By using biodegradable fiber material that naturally dissipates in the environment, the invention transforms what could be a harmful mechanical intervention into an environmentally friendly solution that safely neutralizes the drone without creating long-term environmental pollution or collateral damage.
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 FOIL system effectively neutralizes UAVs by reducing or eliminating thrust, allowing for the safe removal of single or multiple UAVs, including those with unknown coordinates, while minimizing environmental impact and avoiding collateral damage.
Implementation Method 1
the fiber material is released from the first package after deployment forming a cloud of multiple individual fibers, said cloud of multiple individual fibers physically interfering with a propeller system of the one or more UAVs and causing the one or more UAVs to lose the ability to remain aloft
Data Source
AI summary
A system and process for interfering with the flight of one or more unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) includes aiming a deployment device in a direction of the one or more UAVs and deploying by the deployment device a package in the direction of the one or more UAVs. The package includes a fiber material consisting of multiple individual fibers formed of one or more biodegradable materials. When the fiber material is released from the package after deployment, it forms a cloud of multiple individual fibers and the cloud of multiple individual fibers physically interferes with a propeller system of the one or more UAVs, thus causing the one or more UAVs to lose the ability to remain aloft.