Kite-Supported Tether for UAV Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for recovering unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) lack efficiency and flexibility, particularly in unprepared areas or on smaller vessels, as they require runways or complex systems.
Innovation Solution
The use of a kite-supported tether line with a parafoil deployment system allows for the controlled deceleration and recovery of UAVs without the need for a runway, utilizing a stationary or moving platform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a parachute or traditional recovery system is used to suspend the tether line, then the UAV can be recovered, but the system becomes complex and requires significant loading infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a kite as an intermediary element to suspend the tether line during UAV recovery. Instead of using complex traditional recovery systems or parachutes directly, the kite acts as a mediator that provides aerial support for the tether line, enabling simplified yet reliable UAV capture and retrieval operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical recovery systems (parachutes, winches, ground-based equipment) with an aerodynamic system using a kite. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity and infrastructure requirements while maintaining recovery reliability through aerodynamic lift forces
2Area of stationary object
If a traditional recovery system with parachutes and winches is used, then UAV recovery is possible, but the system requires significant space and infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the recovery system from a ground-based two-dimensional setup to a three-dimensional aerial configuration using a kite. By suspending the tether line in the air rather than on the ground, the system reduces the horizontal area requirement and enables recovery operations from smaller vessels and unprepared locations
Solution Approach 2:
The kite-supported tether line system serves multiple functions: it suspends the tether line, provides aerial support, and enables recovery from various platforms (ships, vehicles, unprepared areas). This multi-functionality increases adaptability while reducing the specialized infrastructure needed for each recovery scenario
3Adaptability or versatility
If a kite is used to support the tether line, then recovery flexibility is improved, but the system requires precise timing for parafoil deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the UAV's approach and tether line tension to trigger parafoil deployment at the optimal moment. As the UAV nears the tether line and tension increases, the system responds by deploying the parafoil, ensuring precise timing without requiring extensive predictive planning or losing valuable recovery time
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
This method enables effective, low-cost, and flexible UAV recovery by suspending the tether line with a kite and deploying a parafoil to decelerate the UAV, allowing for recovery on various platforms without significant loading or impact.
Implementation Method 1
deploy a parafoil to decelerate the UAV... suspending the tether line with a kite
Implementation Method 2
deploying a parafoil to decelerate the UAV
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
Methods and apparatus (100) to recover unmanned aerial vehicles with kites (116) are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus (100) includes a tether line (108) to be supported by a kite (116) at a distal end thereof, and a release device (602) to deploy and expand a parafoil (130, 304, 404, 504) from at least one of the tether line (108) or the kite (116) in response to the aircraft (120) contacting the tether line (108).