Net Projectile Launcher for Drone Capture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for capturing and disabling unauthorized aerial vehicles, such as drones, are either dangerous, complex, costly, or pose risks to public safety and infrastructure due to limitations in range, accuracy, and operational complexity.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a projectile launcher and a net projectile that deploys a net to entangle and immobilize aerial vehicles, featuring a control mechanism for precise targeting and deployment, ensuring safety and ease of use while minimizing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a conventional net gun is used to capture an aerial vehicle, then the vehicle can be captured, but the range is limited due to aerodynamic drag on the net
Solution Approach 1:
The net is deployed in stages: first the net bag is launched to the target area, then the net is released and allowed to expand before capturing the vehicle. This preliminary deployment action allows the net to be positioned at long range without requiring the entire net structure to be fired at high velocity, thereby overcoming aerodynamic drag limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The net system is divided into separate components: a launch mechanism that fires the net bag, and the net itself that deploys after arrival. This segmentation allows the heavy net structure to be transported in a compact form and only expanded when needed at the target location, extending the effective range while reducing drag during transit.
2Reliability
If shooting the vehicle down is used to disable it, then the vehicle can be disabled, but it may cause danger to people and structures, and potentially destroy the vehicle and forensic evidence
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using lethal force (shooting) to disable the vehicle, the patent employs a non-lethal net capture system that converts the harmful aspect of vehicle operation into a controlled capture scenario. The net gently immobilizes the vehicle without destruction, preserving both human safety and forensic evidence while achieving the disabling objective.
Solution Approach 2:
The net acts as an intermediary between the operator and the aerial vehicle, providing a non-contact method of capture that eliminates the direct harmful effects of bullets or physical confrontation. This intermediary mechanism achieves vehicle disablement without creating danger to people or structures.
3Reliability
If a second aerial vehicle is used to intercept and capture the first vehicle, then capture is possible, but the second vehicle must be both large enough to carry the weight and agile enough to intercept, which is complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The capture function is extracted from the aerial vehicle platform and transferred to a ground-based launcher system. This eliminates the need for the second vehicle to simultaneously possess both the payload capacity to carry the captured vehicle and the agility to intercept it. The extraction of the capture mechanism to a separate, specialized system reduces overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex second aerial vehicle to perform capture, the system uses a simplified ground-based launcher that replicates the capture function. This copying of the capture capability to a different platform (ground-based rather than aerial) avoids the need for dual-function aerial vehicle design.
4Reliability
If a fixed installation with sensor network is used to detect and immobilize the vehicle, then immobilization is possible, but it is complex and expensive and requires high skill level to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The launcher system incorporates automated target acquisition and tracking capabilities that allow it to independently locate and engage aerial vehicles without requiring complex external sensor networks. This self-service approach to target detection simplifies the overall system architecture and reduces operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The launcher system is designed to perform multiple functions: target detection, tracking, and net deployment, all in one integrated platform. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensor networks and simplifies operation, as a single system handles both detection and immobilization tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for deploying a first object for capturing, immobilising or disabling a second object is provided. The system comprises the first object, a projectile for carrying the first object therein, and a launcher for launching the projectile towards the second object, wherein the projectile is configured for deploying the first object in the vicinity of the second object for capturing, immobilising or disabling the second object.