Flywheel Projectile Launcher for UAV Cattle Marking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing and treating sick cattle in crowded feed lots are inefficient due to cattle's instinct to hide symptoms, making it difficult to quickly identify and separate infected animals.
Innovation Solution
An actuated projectile launcher system integrated with a UAV, featuring flywheel propulsion wheels that launch projectiles for marking or delivering payloads, allowing for efficient identification and separation of sick cattle by temporarily marking them for visual recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a UAV with a camera is used to observe cattle, then sick cattle can be identified from a distance, but the cattle will eventually become accustomed to the UAV and separate from the herd to display symptoms, reducing identification effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary marking system (visual markers applied to cattle) that allows identification without requiring the cattle to display natural symptoms. The marker acts as a mediator between the observer and the cattle, enabling reliable identification even when cattle behavior changes in response to UAV presence
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the reliance on cattle's natural mechanical/behavioral response (symptom display) with an artificial marking system. Instead of observing natural behaviors that cattle can control, the system applies external markers that provide consistent visual identification regardless of cattle behavior
2Adaptability or versatility
If a projectile launcher is designed to launch various types of projectiles with different payloads, then the system becomes highly versatile, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal projectile launcher that can accommodate multiple projectile types and payloads through standardized interfaces. The system uses a common propulsion mechanism (flywheels) and launching structure that works with different projectile configurations, achieving multi-functionality without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable support arms that can pivot and position themselves to accommodate different projectile types. The support arms can be adjusted during operation to match various projectile geometries and sizes, allowing the system to adapt to different payloads without requiring multiple specialized launchers
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 rapid and effective identification and separation of sick cattle through temporary marking, facilitating early diagnosis and treatment, while the system's versatility in launching various projectiles and payloads enhances its utility.
Implementation Method 1
each of the two or more propulsion wheels is a flywheel configured to store rotational energy imparted by a motor and transfer that stored rotational energy to the projectile through direct engagement therewith
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments include an actuated projectile launcher, including: a base structure; a projectile support, and a holding area from which a projectile launches; propulsion wheels selectively driven to rotate; and support arms, each supporting at a first end thereof a separate one of the propulsion wheels and being supported at an opposed second end thereof by the base structure. The support arms are configured to move the propulsion wheels between an expanded position and a contracted position, in which the propulsion wheels are closer to one another in the contracted position as compared to the expanded position. The movement of the propulsion wheels toward the contracted position brings the propulsion wheels into engagement with the projectile and drives the projectile from the holding area.