Retractable UAV Launch Attachment Assembly for Propeller Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Push propeller type UAVs face challenges in avoiding contact with the pushrod or other launch structures during launch, which can lead to propeller interference.
Innovation Solution
A vertically retractable UAV attachment assembly is used, comprising a base, a UAV support, a biasing element, and a retainer, allowing the fuselage to be positioned away from the pushrod and quickly disengaging from the UAV as the propeller spins, utilizing a scissors-type assembly with pivotally secured legs and a torsion spring for rapid retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a pushrod or launch structure is used to launch the UAV, then the UAV can be launched without long runways, but the propeller may contact the pushrod or launch structure during launch
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment assembly is designed to dynamically change its configuration during launch. The legs transition from an extended configuration (providing launch support) to a retracted configuration (clearing the propeller path). This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction by making the launch structure movable rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment assembly is divided into separable components: the base attached to the pushrod, the legs that provide structural support, and the coupling mechanism that connects to the UAV. This segmentation allows the legs to be positioned away from the propeller while maintaining their structural function during launch.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the UAV support is extended away from the base to position the fuselage away from the pushrod, then propeller contact is avoided, but the attachment assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the leg structure: structural support during launch, positioning the fuselage away from the pushrod, and providing a mounting surface for the coupling mechanism. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity while achieving the desired propeller clearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The leg structure uses a scissors mechanism with pivot points that allows simple geometric transformation from extended to retracted configuration. This dynamic design achieves propeller clearance without requiring complex actuation systems, as the motion is achieved through the natural geometry of the scissors linkage.
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
Ensures the propeller does not contact the UAV support during launch, enabling safe and efficient deployment of push propeller type UAVs by rapidly retracting the attachment assembly out of the way of the spinning propeller.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing element (86) coupled to the legs and biasing the legs towards the collapsed orientation
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a scissors-type assembly with pivotally secured legs and a torsion spring for rapid retraction
Data Source
AI summary
A UAV attachment assembly, used with a UAV launch assembly comprising a frame and a launch driver, comprises a base, a UAV support, a biasing element, a coupler, and a retainer. The base is operably coupled to the launch driver. The UAV support is mounted to the base and is placeable in vertically collapsed and vertically extended orientations. The biasing element biases the UAV support towards the collapsed orientation. The coupler releasably couples the UAV support to a UAV when the UAV support is in the extended orientation, the UAV support being free of the UAV when in the collapsed orientation. The retainer maintains the UAV support in the vertically extended orientation prior to launch and releases the UAV support at launch so that the biasing element can cause the UAV support to move towards the collapsed orientation and to disengage from the UAV.