Inductive Payload Deployment for Scalable UAV Neutralization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) face limitations such as interference with friendly assets, precise targeting requirements, collateral damage, and scalability issues in electronic warfare, kinetic destruction, and capture-based systems.
Innovation Solution
A device configured to travel along a trajectory, deploying payloads via physical entanglement, sensor obscuration, or surface adhesion, with a mechanism transitioning to an active state through inductive energy from a magnetic field, and deploying payloads based on elapsed time, position, or distance, and a rotation control component to stabilize flight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronic warfare systems are used to counter UAVs, then interference with friendly assets occurs, but the ability to disable UAVs is achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the counter-UAS function into multiple independent payload types (entanglement payloads, obscuration payloads, adhesion payloads) that can be selectively deployed. This allows targeted neutralization of UAVs without broad electronic warfare effects that could interfere with friendly assets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces physical intermediary payloads (entanglement elements, obscuring materials, adhesive substances) as mediators between the launcher and the UAV. These intermediaries physically interact with the UAV to achieve neutralization without using electromagnetic waves that could affect friendly electronic systems.
2Reliability
If kinetic destruction systems are used to counter UAVs, then UAVs can be disabled, but precise targeting requirements and collateral damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The payloads are designed to interact locally with specific parts of the UAV (propellers, sensors, airframe surfaces) rather than destroying the entire vehicle. Entanglement payloads target rotating components, obscuration payloads target sensors, and adhesion payloads target airframe surfaces, minimizing collateral damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses inexpensive, disposable payloads that are deployed in large numbers. Each payload is simple and low-cost, allowing for mass deployment to cover larger areas and increase probability of engagement without the need for precise single-shot targeting, thereby reducing collateral damage.
3Reliability
If capture-based systems are used to counter UAVs, then UAVs can be neutralized, but range and scalability issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The payloads are designed to self-deploy and self-activate upon release. The entanglement payloads automatically deploy nets or filaments, obscuration payloads automatically disperse materials, and adhesion payloads automatically adhere to surfaces. This eliminates the need for complex active capture mechanisms, enabling mass deployment and improved scalability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical capture systems with simpler physics-based mechanisms. Instead of active grappling or capturing mechanisms, the system uses passive entanglement elements, aerosolized obscuration materials, and adhesive substances that rely on natural physical processes (entanglement, diffusion, adhesion) to neutralize UAVs, enabling greater scalability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple payload types are deployed to improve versatility, then ability to counter different UAVs is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The launcher system is designed as a universal platform capable of deploying multiple different payload types. The core launcher mechanism remains simple and standardized, while payload modules can be swapped to match different threat scenarios. This multi-functionality at the system level with simplicity at the component level resolves the complexity-versatility tradeoff.
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
Enhances payload delivery by effectively impairing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with minimal collateral damage and improved scalability.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanism operable between an inactive state and an active state, wherein the mechanism is configured to: transition to the active state in response to inductive energy generated by relative motion through a magnetic field during launch
Data Source
AI summary
A device may include a set of payloads and a mechanism. The set of payloads may be configured to interact with at least one of an airborne device or a component of the airborne device via at least one of physical entanglement, sensor obscuration, or surface adhesion. The mechanism may be operable between an inactive state and an active state. The mechanism may be configured to transition to the active state in response to inductive energy generated by relative motion through a magnetic field during launch, and deploy the set of payloads based on at least one of one or more elapsed times during travel of the device along the trajectory, one or more positions of the device along the trajectory, or one or more distances traveled by the device along the trajectory.