Gravity-Deployed Interceptor Cable for Drone Entanglement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for defending against flying objects, such as drones, in safety-critical areas like airports and military facilities are not reliable or cost-effective, especially in environments with limited visibility and for use from armored vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A flying object with an interceptor featuring a hollow body and a locking mechanism that deploys a rope with a body to entangle and bring down flying objects, allowing for effective defense from armored vehicles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical disruption or net capture methods are used to defend against flying objects, then the flying object can be brought down, but the operation becomes complex and unreliable in dusty, impassable terrain with restricted visibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of defense operationVSAvoidcomplexity of mechanical disruption operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical net systems with a simpler gravitational mechanism. The interceptor device uses a hollow body with an opening that allows a cable to be deployed under gravity's influence, eliminating the need for complex mechanical disruption systems while maintaining effectiveness in challenging terrain conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The interceptor device utilizes gravity as a self-powered mechanism to deploy the cable. Once the locking mechanism is released, the cable automatically emerges from the hollow body through the opening under gravitational force, requiring no additional power sources or complex control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If soldiers leave armored vehicles to defend against drones, then more direct defense is possible, but operational capability and safety are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffectiveness of defenseVSAvoidoperational capability from vehicle
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The interceptor device is designed to be mounted on armored vehicles, allowing the vehicle to perform multiple functions: both combat and defense operations. The device can be deployed from the vehicle without requiring soldiers to leave, maintaining operational capability while providing effective drone defense

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If radio signal jamming is used to prevent flying objects from flying, then the approach is simple, but it cannot reliably prevent further flight of autonomous self-sufficient flying objects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of defense systemVSAvoidreliability of flight prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electronic signal jamming with a physical mechanical interception system. The interceptor device deployed from armored vehicles uses gravitational cable deployment to physically engage and bring down autonomous flying objects, providing reliable flight prevention without relying on electronic countermeasures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 reliable and cost-effective method to disable flying objects by entangling them with a rope, ensuring effective defense in challenging environments and from armored vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

After the locking mechanism is released, e.g., when in close proximity to a flying object that is to be brought down, the first end of the first cable with the first body emerges from the interior of the hollow body through the opening under the effect of gravity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP4339551A1Apparatus and method for repelling flying objects
Publication Date: 2024.03.20 BÄR TECH GMBH
  • EP4339551A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP4339551A1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP4339551A1 patent drawingFigure 5A~5B

AI summary

A flying object with an interceptor device (20) is disclosed, comprising a hollow body (21) with an opening (22) and a locking mechanism (23); a first cable (26A) with at least one first body (28A) arranged at a first end of the first cable (26A); wherein the first cable (26A) is arranged inside the hollow body (21) and is held by the locking mechanism (23); wherein, after release of the locking mechanism (23), the first end of the first cable (26A) with the first body (28A) emerges from the interior of the hollow body (21) through the opening (22) under the influence of gravity. Furthermore, a method and a system for intercepting flying objects (50) are disclosed.