Automated Kite Launch and Recovery Guide Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual launch and recovery of kites with large lifting forces pose a risk to operators due to unpredictable wind conditions, and existing systems face challenges with tangled lines that can cause damage or injury, as well as difficulties in automating the process.
Innovation Solution
An automated kite launch and recovery device comprising a kite, a mast, a guide device, and a winch, where the guide device is configured to grab a guide line and the winch extends and retracts the tether to launch and recover the kite safely and reliably, with features such as sensors, detectors, and a docking station for stowing the kite.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual launch and recovery of kites is performed, then operator control and flexibility are maintained, but operator safety is compromised due to unpredictable wind forces and risk of injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a guide device as an intermediary between the operator and the kite tether system. This guide device automatically manages the tether during launch and recovery, mediating the interaction between human operator and the powerful wind forces, thereby eliminating direct operator exposure to dangerous tether forces while maintaining operational control
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service automation where the guide device and winch automatically perform launch and recovery operations without requiring direct manual handling of the tether by the operator. The tether management system serves itself by automatically extending and retracting the tether based on operational requirements, eliminating the need for operator intervention in dangerous ground handling phases
2Reliability
If mechanical winches are used to manage kite tethers, then lifting forces can be controlled, but line tangling occurs causing friction, breaks, and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tether management function into two distinct components: a guide device that manages the tether path and prevents tangling, and a winch that provides controlled lifting force. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function, with the guide device ensuring line integrity through proper routing while the winch handles force management
Solution Approach 2:
The guide device acts as an intermediary between the tether and the winch, providing a controlled path for the tether that prevents tangling and friction. This intermediary component ensures that the tether remains organized and intact during the lifting operation, reducing the risk of breaks and damage
3Reliability
If automated launch and recovery systems are implemented, then operator safety is improved, but challenges arise with dealing with tangled lines and positioning the kite in proper orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The guide device performs preliminary action by pre-positioning and organizing the tether and guide line before the winch begins extending the tether. This preliminary arrangement of lines and components prevents tangling from occurring in the first place, making the automated operation smoother and easier to control
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the state of the tether, guide line, and kite position during automated operation. This feedback allows the control system to detect and correct issues such as line tangling or improper kite orientation in real-time, simplifying the automated control process by providing continuous information about system state
Data Source
AI summary
A kite launch device that includes a kite, a mast, a guide device coupled to the mast, and a winch. The kite includes a canopy, a base structure for at least one device, a plurality of support lines coupled to the canopy and the base structure, a guide line coupled to the canopy, and a tether coupled to the base structure. The guide device is configured to grab the guide line. The winch is coupled to the tether of the kite. The winch is configured to extend and retract the tether. The kite includes a guide element coupled to the base structure and the guide line. The guide device is configured to encircle the guide element in order to grab the guide line.