Robotic Arm UAV Launch Capture Electromagnetic End Effector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UAV launch and capture systems lack autonomy and repeatability, requiring human involvement and causing stress on the UAV due to uncontrolled deceleration and entanglement risks.
Innovation Solution
A robotic arm system equipped with an electromagnetic end effector and data collection, analysis, and communication modules to autonomously launch and capture UAVs by accelerating them to a desired velocity and angle, using a metallic strike plate for secure interaction and controlled deceleration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If net capture system is used, then UAV capture without runway is enabled, but deceleration is uncontrollable causing stress on vehicle structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical net capture system with an electromagnetic end effector that uses magnetic fields to capture and decelerate the UAV. The electromagnetic system provides controlled, gradual deceleration through adjustable magnetic force, eliminating the uncontrolled mechanical impact of net capture while reducing stress on the UAV structure.
2Ease of operation
If snag-wire capture system is used, then UAV capture is achieved, but deceleration is quick and erratic causing significant stress on UAV
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical snag-wire system with an electromagnetic end effector that uses controlled magnetic fields to capture the UAV. The electromagnetic system enables smooth, programmable deceleration profiles that eliminate the erratic, high-stress deceleration of wire-based systems while maintaining capture effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic end effector employs dynamic control of magnetic field strength to adjust deceleration in real-time. The system can modulate the magnetic force to match the UAV's momentum and achieve optimal deceleration, transforming the static mechanical capture into a dynamic, adaptive process that minimizes stress.
3Weight of moving object
If pneumatic or elastic catapults are used for launch, then heavier UAVs can be launched, but multiple personnel are required to set up and reload
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm system is designed to autonomously launch and capture UAVs without requiring human intervention for setup or operation. The system can automatically reposition, reload, and repeat launch cycles, making the heavy-latch capability self-sufficient and eliminating the need for multiple personnel to operate the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual pneumatic or elastic catapult systems with an automated robotic arm equipped with an electromagnetic end effector. This substitution enables programmable, repeatable launches of heavy UAVs while eliminating the manual setup and reloading requirements of traditional catapult systems.
4Ease of operation
If hand launch is used for lighter UAVs, then simple operation is achieved, but autonomy and repeatability are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm system with electromagnetic end effector performs autonomous launch operations without requiring human hands to physically place and throw the UAV. The system can independently execute launch sequences with consistent precision, achieving both simplicity of operation and full automation simultaneously through self-service capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic end effector and robotic arm system is designed to handle multiple UAV weights and types universally. The same automated system that can launch light Tier 1 UAVs with simple, repeatable motions can also handle heavier Tier 2 and 3 UAVs, providing both autonomy and versatility across different UAV categories.
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
Enables autonomous, repeatable, and stress-reduced UAV deployment and retrieval, reducing human intervention and physical stress on the UAV while ensuring controlled deceleration and alignment.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic end effector connected to the moving substrate and a metallic strike plate located on the unmanned aerial vehicle configured to be attracted and securely held to the electromagnetic end effector when the electromagnetic end effector is activated
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and system for launching and/or capturing an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The apparatus includes a moving substrate having an electromagnetic end effector and a UAV with a metallic strike plate to be attracted to the end effector when the electromagnet is activated. The system includes a movable robotic arm having a free end and a secured end; an electromagnetic end effector connected proximate to the free end of the robotic arm; a UAV with a metallic strike to be attracted and held to the electromagnetic end effector when the electromagnetic end effector is active; trajectory software configured to control a location of the free end of the robotic arm; and a control module for receiving input data, analyzing the data and using the trajectory software to control the location of and activate or deactivate the electromagnetic end effector. Also described are methods for launching and capturing the UAV.