Counter-Swarm Firework with Streamer Dispersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current counter-swarm technologies are ineffective against swarms of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) due to serial targeting limitations, high costs, and collateral damage concerns, lacking a viable solution for innermost layers of defense.
Innovation Solution
The development of optimized entanglement effectors, such as streamers, that can consistently and persistently interrupt UAV propeller thrust, deployed through a counter-swarm firework system designed for scalability, low cost, and minimal collateral, using a burst charge to disperse streamers and a fire suppression material to manage heat and ensure effective entanglement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If guns, remote weapons systems, and similar kinetic systems are used for counter-swarm, then they can effectively engage individual UAVs, but they are only effective against one target at a time, extending the counter-swarm time-to-intercept well past the point of practicality
Solution Approach 1:
The counter-swarm system is segmented into multiple independent fireworks units, each capable of engaging multiple UAVs simultaneously. Instead of one weapon engaging one target sequentially, the system divides the engagement function across numerous parallel fireworks devices, each deploying multiple streamers to intercept multiple swarm members at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive, disposable fireworks and streamers for counter-swarm engagement. Rather than using expensive, reusable kinetic weapons systems, the solution utilizes low-cost fireworks that can be deployed in large quantities, with each firework containing multiple streamers designed for single-use entanglement of UAV propellers.
2Power
If laser systems and high power microwaves are used for counter-swarm, then they can provide directed energy engagement, but they suffer from serial targeting/engagement limitations, along with airspace deconfliction issues and high cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex directed energy systems (lasers, microwaves) with simple mechanical fireworks-based entanglement devices. Instead of using high-power electromagnetic fields that require sophisticated control and deconfliction systems, the solution uses mechanically deployed streamers that passively entangle UAV propellers through physical interaction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If drone versus drone methods are used for counter-swarm, then they may be effective in small numbers, but they quickly become unwieldy and expensive as the invading swarm size grows
Solution Approach 1:
The fireworks-based counter-swarm system is designed to be universally effective against varying swarm sizes. Each firework unit can independently engage multiple UAVs, and the system can scale from engaging single targets to large swarms by simply deploying additional fireworks, providing multi-functionality across different threat scenarios.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If electronic warfare approaches are used for counter-swarm, then they can provide non-kinetic engagement, but they have diminished in effectiveness over time, and they continue to do so in light of development of radio frequency (RF) dark drones/swarms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the limitation of RF-dark drones (which are hard to detect electronically) into an advantage by using passive optical detection methods. Instead of relying on electronic signatures that dark drones lack, the system uses visual/optical detection of the drones themselves, turning the electronic warfare disadvantage into a benefit by employing a detection method that works equally well against electronically stealthy targets.
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 solution provides a scalable, low-collateral approach to deter and prevent UAV swarm aggression, effectively reducing the risk posed by enemy UAV swarms and offering a viable innermost layer for counter-swarm defense systems.
Implementation Method 1
a burst charge positioned in the casing and configured to deploy the multiple streamers when discharged
Implementation Method 2
a fire suppressant layer positioned between the burst charge and the multiple streamers
Data Source
AI summary
A counter-swarm firework includes a shell casing, multiple streamers positioned in the shell casing, a burst charge positioned in the shell casing and configured to disperse the multiple streamers from the shell casing when discharged, a pusher plate positioned in the shell casing between the burst charge and the multiple streamers, a fire suppressant layer positioned between the burst charge and the pusher plate, and a kick charge configured to launch the shell casing and its contents prior to discharging the burst charge. The fire suppression layer may be configured to suppress heat generated by the discharge of the burst charge.