Interceptor Net Absorption Device for Drone Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing interception nets for unmanned flying objects often tear or bounce off due to high kinetic energy from mass elements, leading to failure in capturing the objects, especially during longer flight phases or at specific angles of impact.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an absorption device with predetermined breaking points and elastically or plastically deformable sections within the net, which dissipates kinetic energy and reduces tensile forces, allowing the net to effectively decelerate and entangle the flying object.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If the interception net uses mass elements to expand the net during flight, then the interception area is increased and the net can reach flying objects at longer distances, but the kinetic energy of the mass elements causes high tensile forces that lead to tearing of the net upon impact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterception areaVSAvoidnet strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates absorption devices (energy-absorbing elements, deformable sections, or detachable connections) into the net structure beforehand. These elements are designed to activate upon impact with the flying object, absorbing the kinetic energy of the mass elements and preventing the net from tearing. This prior cushioning allows the net to maintain both large interception area and sufficient strength during the intercepting process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the net is designed to stretch during flight under accelerated mass elements, then the net can effectively cover larger areas and intercept objects at various angles, but the net tears when hitting or bouncing against flying objects due to high kinetic energy from mass elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterception adaptabilityVSAvoidinterception reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Absorption devices are integrated into the net structure in advance, positioned to activate when the net contacts the flying object. These devices cushion the impact forces, allowing the net to maintain its adaptability for various interception scenarios while preventing tearing that would compromise reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs material or structural changes in specific regions of the net (such as deformable sections with different material properties or detachable connections) that change their behavior upon impact. These parameter changes allow the net to absorb energy and prevent tearing, thereby improving reliability without sacrificing the adaptability needed for effective interception.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If the mass elements span the interception net with high kinetic energy, then the net can be launched effectively and cover long distances, but the mass elements simply follow their trajectory and penetrate the interception area without being intercepted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaunch speedVSAvoidinterception reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The absorption devices are pre-positioned in the net to engage when the flying object contacts the interception area. They cushion the impact by absorbing the kinetic energy of the mass elements, preventing them from simply penetrating through the net. This allows the net to maintain its launch speed and coverage while ensuring reliable interception through energy dissipation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 absorption device ensures reliable entanglement and capture of flying objects by reducing the load on the net and dissipating kinetic energy, preventing tears and ensuring successful interception.

Implementation Method 1

the absorption device comprises at least one elastically and/or plastically deformable absorption section which serves to dissipate kinetic energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectKinetic energy dissipation: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

the absorption device comprises at least one elastically and/or plastically deformable absorption section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

the absorption device comprises at least one elastically and/or plastically deformable absorption section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3948150B1Interceptor net with absorption device for intercepting drones
Publication Date: 2022.12.21 DROPTEC GMBH
  • EP3948150B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3948150B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3948150B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an interceptor net for an interceptor device, in particular for intercepting unmanned flying objects (28), comprising a capture region (12) having multiple net meshes (14) formed by net threads (15, 15a, 15b) or net strands connected to one another, a net edging (16) which surrounds the capture region (12) and to which the net meshes (14) are connected, at least two mass elements (18) which are connected to the net edging (16) or integrated in the net edging (16), wherein the interceptor net (10) is designed to be launched from an interceptor device, wherein the interceptor net (10) is stretched out in flight due to the effect of the accelerated mass elements (18). According to the invention, the capture net (10) has at least one absorption device (22, 24, 26) which is designed such that, when the capture region (12) of the interceptor net (10) comes into contact with an object (28) to be intercepted, said absorption device at least partially absorbs the forces from the mass elements (18) acting on the capture region (12).