Grenade-Launched UAV Parachute Nesting for Endurance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current unmanned aerial vehicles face a tradeoff between size and endurance, limiting their effectiveness in certain applications such as combat zones and surveillance missions.
Innovation Solution
A grenade-launched unmanned aerial system (GLUAS) with a tubular body, motor, propeller, and parachute, capable of transforming from a stowed configuration to a powered flight configuration, allowing for extended operation and versatility in ISR activities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the UAV size is reduced to enable grenade launcher deployment, then the device can be launched from existing grenade launchers, but the battery capacity and payload are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The parachute is nested within the tubular body of the UAV in a stowed configuration, allowing the UAV to maintain a compact size for grenade launcher deployment while carrying the parachute for extended operation and safe descent
Solution Approach 2:
The UAV transitions from a compact stowed configuration to an expanded powered flight configuration, where the parachute is deployed outside the tubular body during flight to provide lift and extend endurance beyond what the battery alone could achieve
2Duration of action of moving object
If the UAV carries larger battery and payload, then the endurance and mission capability are improved, but the device cannot be launched from grenade launcher
Solution Approach 1:
The parachute is nested within the tubular body of the UAV in a stowed configuration, allowing the UAV to maintain a compact size for grenade launcher deployment while carrying the parachute for extended operation and safe descent
Solution Approach 2:
The UAV is divided into functional segments (tubular body, parachute, propeller system) that can be independently optimized, with the parachute serving as a separate lift-generating component that can be stowed during launch and deployed during flight
3Device complexity
If the UAV uses fixed aerodynamic surfaces, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability to different flight conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The parachute transitions from a stowed position within the tubular body to an deployed position outside the body, allowing the UAV to adapt to different flight phases (ballistic ascent, powered flight, descent) by changing the configuration of its aerodynamic surfaces
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 flexible operation with a range of 2 kilometers and up to 2000 ft altitude, lasting 30 to 90 minutes, facilitating real-time ISR updates and adaptable for various missions with minimal additional equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a parachute disposed within the tubular body when the unmanned aerial system is in a stowed configuration and disposed outside of the tubular body when the unmanned aerial system is in a powered flight configuration
Implementation Method 2
a propeller coupled to the motor
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for an unmanned aerial system is described herein. An unmanned aerial system capable of being launched from a grenade launcher includes a tubular body that encloses a compartment for a payload and a battery, a motor coupled to the tubular body, a propeller coupled to the motor, and a parachute disposed within the tubular body when the unmanned aerial system is in a stowed configuration and disposed outside of the tubular body when the unmanned aerial system is in a powered flight configuration.