Kite-Suspended Tether Recovery for Runway-Free UAV Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UAV recovery methods lack flexibility and efficiency, particularly in recovering UAVs without the use of runways, and often require complex systems or high costs.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a kite to suspend and control a tether line, allowing for the steerable recovery of UAVs from stationary or moving platforms, such as ships, by coordinating the movement of the kite and UAV to ensure controlled deceleration and capture via the tether line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a kite is used to suspend and control a tether line for UAV recovery, then the flexibility and adaptability of recovery locations are improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need to coordinate kite and UAV movements
Solution Approach 1:
The kite acts as an intermediary element between the recovery platform and the UAV. It suspends the tether line and uses wind forces to control the line's position and tension, mediating the interaction between the platform and the approaching UAV without requiring complex active control systems on the platform itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The kite utilizes natural wind forces to maintain tension in the tether line and position itself, rather than requiring powered actuators or complex control systems. The kite's aerodynamic properties enable it to self-adjust and maintain the necessary configuration for UAV capture passively.
2Ease of manufacture
If the tether line is used to capture the UAV, then the cost is reduced compared to traditional runway systems, but the force management during capture becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to manage the impact forces that occur when the UAV contacts the tether line. The kite's position and the line's tension are controlled beforehand to ensure that the capture force is within acceptable limits, cushioning the impact similar to how a parachute reduces landing force.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls the physical parameters of the tether line (tension, angle, length) and the kite's position to optimize the capture process. By adjusting these parameters, the system manages the force distribution during UAV capture, ensuring safe deceleration without requiring expensive active control systems.
3Reliability
If the kite is steered to facilitate controlled impact, then the reliability of UAV capture is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to the need for coordinated movement control
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from tracking the UAV's position and the kite's response to wind forces to adjust the tether line orientation and kite position. This feedback loop enables reliable capture by continuously adapting the system configuration to match the approaching UAV's trajectory and speed.
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
Enables effective and cost-efficient UAV recovery in various locations, including unprepared areas and smaller vessels, by maintaining tension in the tether line and directing the kite to facilitate a controlled impact, reducing the force on the UAV and ensuring successful capture.
Implementation Method 1
a kite (e.g., a parafoil kite) that generates lift to support a tether line
Implementation Method 2
striking the fixture (2) with the flying object (5), which causes the flying object (5) to rotate and decelerate
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3
AI summary
Methods and apparatus to recover unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with kites are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus to recover a UAV during flight includes a tether line, a tensioner operatively coupled to the tether line, and a kite operatively coupled to the tether line to support the tether line for recovery of the UAV.