Latched Net Assembly for Non-Destructive UAV Capture

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for dealing with unidentified unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in sensitive areas often result in destructive interference, posing risks to people and property, and lack effective non-destructive capture solutions.

Innovation Solution

A counter-UAV drone system equipped with net assemblies, including static, rotatable, and collapsible configurations, that can intercept and capture target UAVs without causing significant damage, using AI and computer vision for autonomous operation and precise targeting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If destructive interference methods are used to deal with unidentified UAVs, then the ability to neutralize target UAVs is improved, but the risk of harm to people and property increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to neutralize target UAVsVSAvoidrisk of harm to people and property

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of high-speed UAV movement into a beneficial capture mechanism by using the UAV's own momentum to drive the net assembly. The UAV's forward motion forces the net forward, causing it to collapse and latch onto the target, thereby neutralizing the threat without external destructive forces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The net assembly acts as an intermediary between the pursuing UAV and the target UAV, enabling non-destructive capture. The net serves as a mechanical mediator that transfers momentum and applies constraining force without direct contact between the UAVs, eliminating the need for destructive interference methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If high speed and rapid direction changes are used for UAV interception, then the interception capability is improved, but the precision of capture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterception speedVSAvoidcapture precision

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The net assembly is pre-configured in an extended state during pursuit, allowing the UAV to maintain high speed. Upon approaching the target, the net is released and naturally collapses forward due to aerodynamic forces and target interaction, automatically positioning itself for capture without requiring precise manual timing or positioning adjustments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The net assembly is self-actuating, using the relative motion between the pursuing UAV and target UAV to drive its own deployment and capture action. The system requires no additional actuators or complex control mechanisms, as the capture force is generated automatically by the UAV's forward momentum and aerodynamic pressure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11401047B2Unmanned aerial vehicle with latched net assembly

Publication Date: 2022.08.02 PERFORMANCE DRONE WORKS LLC

AI summary

An example of a drone includes a drone chassis, a plurality of motors attached to the drone chassis and a plurality of propellers coupled to the plurality of motors. The drone also includes a net assembly mounted above the drone chassis. The net assembly includes an enclosure and a hinged portion that extends upwards from the enclosure in an open position and folds down in a closed position.