Interceptor Drone Streamer Cannon for Propeller Entanglement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for downing target drones with propellers are inefficient, as they often rely on complex systems or inaccurate interception techniques, such as nets or direct firing, which may not effectively neutralize the target due to scattering or propulsion issues.
Innovation Solution
A processor-controlled interceptor drone equipped with a flexible elongate intercepting agent cannon, using onboard cameras and wind condition analysis to determine optimal firing distances and angles, firing rolled streamers that unravel and entangle the target drone's propellers, thereby immobilizing it.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct firing or net systems are used to down target drones, then interception capability is provided, but accuracy and effectiveness are reduced due to scattering or propulsion issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces flexible elongate intercepting agents (streamers) as an intermediary between the cannon and target drone. These streamers are fired from the cannon and physically entangle the target drone's propellers, providing a reliable interception mechanism that overcomes the scattering and accuracy problems of direct firing approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and form of the intercepting agent from solid projectiles to flexible elongate streamers. This parameter change allows the intercepting agent to maintain effectiveness over a broader range of distances and angles, improving reliability while reducing sensitivity to firing precision.
2Reliability
If complex systems are used to down target drones, then interception capability is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates complex subsystems from traditional drone countermeasures by using a simplified system consisting of a cannon that fires flexible streamers. This approach achieves reliable interception without requiring complex guidance systems, sensors, or control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable flexible elongate intercepting agents that are simple, inexpensive, and single-use. These streamers are fired from the cannon and discarded after use, eliminating the need for complex reusable systems while maintaining effective interception capability.
3Reliability
If streamers are fired at close range, then entanglement effectiveness increases, but scattering increases reducing precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic streamers that are flexible and elongate, allowing them to adapt their configuration during flight. This dynamic behavior enables the streamers to maintain entanglement effectiveness at various distances while their flexible nature reduces scattering compared to rigid projectiles.
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 system effectively downes target drones by ensuring a high percentage of streamers unravel and entangle the propellers, achieving a high success rate with controlled scattering and minimal collateral damage.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible elongate intercepting agent cannon... firing distance d, between the interceptor and target drones... to allow at least a first predetermined amount of flexible elongate intercepting agents streamer rolls fired by the cannon to each unravel to at least a predetermined extent
Data Source
AI summary
A system operative to down a target drone having propellers deployed along a perimeter p, comprising a processor-controlled interceptor drone bearing a processor-controlled flexible elongate intercepting agent cannon and an onboard camera; and an onboard processor to receive sensed wind conditions and to a firing distance d, between interceptor and target drones, given a firing angle A, and wherein the processor is configured to track the target drone using imagery generated by the onboard camera including at least once, when said wind conditions exist, guiding the interceptor drone to a firing position whose distance from the target drone is d, and commanding the cannon to fire at firing angle A, once said firing position is achieved, thereby to use the flexible elongate intercepting agent to down target drones.