Side-Arm UAV Recovery System with Articulating Rail
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current runway-independent fixed-wing UAV recovery systems face challenges in safety and efficiency, particularly for larger aircraft, due to difficulties in precision engagement, energy absorption, and post-capture handling, limiting their operational flexibility and safety.
Innovation Solution
A side-arm recovery system featuring an articulating arm with a rail, stanchions, and a capture net, which includes an arresting cable and a payout mechanism to manage tension, and a deceleration mechanism to control the aircraft's descent, allowing for safe and controlled capture and deceleration of larger UAVs on small vessels or ground sites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If traditional net and vertical cable recovery systems are used, then small UAVs can be recovered, but the system is not practical for larger aircraft due to safety and energy absorption limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The recovery system is divided into multiple independent components: an articulating arm for positioning, a rail system for guided movement, stanchions for structural support, a first shuttle with arresting cable for primary capture, and a second shuttle with capture net for secondary containment. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific aspects of the recovery process, enabling safe capture of larger UAVs that would overwhelm traditional single-system approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulating arm provides dynamic positioning capability, allowing the rail system to move and adjust its position to match the approaching UAV's trajectory. The shuttles can move independently along the rail, with the first shuttle engaging the arresting cable and the second shuttle deploying the capture net at different stages of the recovery process. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to handle varying UAV sizes and approach conditions safely.
2Measurement precision
If precision engagement is required for safe capture, then the recovery system becomes more complex, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-shuttle system operates with a degree of autonomy where the first shuttle automatically engages the arresting cable upon UAV approach, initiating the capture sequence. The second shuttle independently deploys the capture net to contain the UAV after initial arrest. This self-service operation reduces the need for complex external control mechanisms while maintaining high capture precision through the coordinated action of the two shuttles.
Solution Approach 2:
The rail system serves as an intermediary structure that guides both shuttles and the captured UAV in a controlled manner. The articulating arm acts as an intermediary between the ground-based recovery system and the air-based UAV, allowing for smooth transition and positioning. These intermediary elements simplify the overall control complexity by providing natural guidance paths and reducing the need for complex active control systems.
3Force
If energy absorption is increased to handle larger UAVs, then the recovery system requires more robust components, increasing the footprint
Solution Approach 1:
The capture net functions as a flexible energy absorption element that can dynamically deform to absorb the kinetic energy of the captured UAV. Rather than requiring massive rigid structures to absorb the energy, the flexible net provides a compliant interface that gradually dissipates energy through deformation, reducing the footprint requirements while maintaining the necessary arresting force capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The second shuttle with the capture net is positioned to engage after the first shuttle has already arrested the UAV. This nested sequence of capture events allows the system to build up energy absorption capacity in stages, where the compact first shuttle handles initial arrest and the slightly larger second shuttle provides additional containment. This nested approach maximizes energy absorption within a minimized footprint by utilizing space and time efficiently.
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
The system enables safe and efficient recovery of larger UAVs by managing arresting forces and reducing post-capture motion, thereby enhancing safety and operational flexibility, allowing for minimal footprint operations on various surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
the recovery system safely lowers the aerial vehicle to a ground handling cart
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b~1c
Figure 1d~1e
AI summary
The present disclosure's side-arm recovery system enables large Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UASs) to operate from small vessels or from ground sites with a minimal footprint. The side-arm recovery system allows arresting an UAS independent of a runway. On the ground or on a ship, the system makes use of a specialized crane system that includes capture and energy absorption devices. A fuselage-mounted top-hook snags a horizontal cable and the arresting forces act in the plane of symmetry through the central structure of the UAS. After the capture energy is absorbed, the recovery system safely lowers the aircraft to a ground handling cart. The same system can be combined into a launcher and retriever system which further reduces the footprint by eliminating the need for a separate launcher.