Multi-Mode Unmanned Vehicle Stealth Control for Covert Payload Missions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional unmanned vehicle designs are limited to specific environments and tasks, lacking the capability for multi-environment and multi-task operations, and there is a need for autonomous launch and recovery of payloads, including vessels, equipment, and people, while remaining undetected.
Innovation Solution
The development of a multi-mode unmanned vehicle equipped with a vehicle body, propulsion system, maneuvering system, vehicle control system, rack, sensor system, and power supply, featuring retractable mounts, transient object detection sensors, and stealth control systems to avoid detection through thermal, acoustic, and radio frequency cloaking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional unmanned vehicle designs are used, then the vehicle can operate in a specific environment and perform a particular task, but the vehicle lacks the capability for multi-environment and multi-task operations
Solution Approach 1:
The unmanned vehicle is designed with universal components that enable it to perform multiple functions across different environments. The vehicle body can operate in both aerial and marine environments, the rack system can launch and recover various payloads including vessels and equipment, and the sensor system can detect different types of targets. This multi-functionality approach allows a single vehicle design to replace multiple specialized vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle incorporates dynamic components that can change configuration based on operational requirements. The retractable rack can extend and retract, the mounts can be deployed or stowed, and the vehicle can transition between aerial and marine modes. This dynamic adaptability allows the vehicle to optimize its configuration for specific tasks while maintaining overall versatility.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the vehicle uses advanced sensor systems and cloaking technologies to remain undetected, then the vehicle's stealth capabilities are enhanced, but the vehicle's detection and measurement difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle employs thermal cloaking technology that modifies its thermal signature to match the surrounding environment. By controlling and adjusting its thermal emissions and absorption characteristics, the vehicle becomes difficult to detect using thermal imaging systems. This thermal signature management allows the vehicle to blend into its operational environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle uses transient object detection sensors and cloaking systems as intermediaries between itself and potential detectors. These systems actively manage the vehicle's detectability by manipulating electromagnetic, acoustic, and thermal fields to prevent direct detection, thereby protecting the vehicle's presence and operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle is equipped with retractable mounts and rack systems for payload launch and recovery, then the vehicle's operational flexibility is enhanced, but the vehicle's structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The payload launch and recovery system is divided into modular segments including the rack structure, retractable mounts, and payload interfaces. Each component can be independently designed, controlled, and maintained. The rack can be configured to accommodate different payload types, and the mounts can be selectively deployed based on mission requirements, reducing overall system complexity through modular design.
Data Source
AI summary
An unmanned vehicle including a vehicle body, propulsion system, maneuvering system, vehicle control system, rack, sensor, and a power supply. The vehicle control may be used to control the unmanned vehicle in combination with the propulsion and the maneuvering system. The rack may include a retractable mount that may move between a down position and an up position. The sensor system may include a plurality of transient object detection sensors. The plurality of transient object detection sensors may include a sensor adapted to detect an item of interest and may provide an item of interest signal to the vehicle control system. The vehicle control system may identify an item of interest classification and may provide a classification signal. The classification signal may be determined by the item of interest classification and may be utilized to avoid detection of the unmanned vehicle by the item of interest.