Rotatable Net Assembly for Non-Destructive UAV Capture

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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 non-destructive capture solutions for investigation and reverse engineering.

Innovation Solution

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

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If destructive interference methods are used to deal with unidentified UAVs, then the threat is neutralized, but risks to people and property increase and the UAV cannot be recovered for investigation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of people and propertyVSAvoiddestructive interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful aspect of interception (potential destruction) into a beneficial outcome by using a net assembly that captures the target UAV without significant damage. The net physically restrains the UAV, neutralizing its threat while preserving it for investigation, thus turning a potentially harmful interception into a safe and informative capture.

Inventive Principle:

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

Solution Approach 2:

The net assembly acts as an intermediary between the interceptor UAV and the target UAV. Instead of direct contact that could cause destruction, the net serves as a mediating element that gently entangles and restrains the target UAV, eliminating the need for destructive force while maintaining capture effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a net assembly is added to the UAV system, then non-destructive capture capability is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapture capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The net assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the capture mechanism and the restraining structure. The same net that entangles the target UAV also prevents its escape and maintains containment during transport. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The net assembly incorporates movable and adjustable elements that allow it to adapt to different capture scenarios. The net can be deployed and configured dynamically during interception, providing versatility in handling various target UAV types and situations without requiring multiple fixed-configuration systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11402857B2Unmanned aertial vehicle with rotatable net assembly

Publication Date: 2022.08.02 PERFORMANCE DRONE WORKS LLC

AI summary

An example of a drone includes a drone chassis extending along a plane, a plurality of motors attached to the drone chassis and a plurality of propellers coupled to the plurality of motors. The drone includes net assembly mounted to the drone chassis. The net assembly includes a net enclosure rotatably mounted such that an outward facing opening of the enclosure is rotatable about an axis of rotation that is parallel to the drone chassis.