Spin-Stabilized Net Projectile for Accurate UAV Capture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current net-based countermeasures for capturing UAVs are complex, heavy, expensive, and have limited range, requiring long reload times and non-reusable projectiles, posing risks to public safety and privacy.
Innovation Solution
A compact, lightweight net-launching projectile with a single housing that uses induced rotation to unpack a net, featuring circumferentially disposed protrusions for barrel engagement, weights for uniform ejection, and a controllable release mechanism to enhance stability, accuracy, and range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current net-based countermeasures are used to capture UAVs, then capture capability is achieved, but system complexity and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the net-launching function into separate modular components: a reusable launcher unit and disposable projectile cartridges. Each cartridge contains its own net pack, propellant, and ignition system, allowing independent replacement without affecting the main launcher complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The projectile cartridges are designed as disposable, low-cost units that contain the net, propellant, and ignition mechanism. After firing, the entire cartridge is discarded and replaced, eliminating the need to recharge or reset complex systems and reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If current net-based countermeasures are used, then capture function is provided, but the systems are heavy and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the heavy, expensive reusable launcher from the lightweight disposable cartridges. The launcher contains only the barrel and firing mechanism, while the net and propellant are contained in the replaceable cartridge, optimizing the weight distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The projectile cartridges use lightweight materials and minimal structure since they are single-use. The net is packed in a compact cylindrical configuration within the cartridge, and the propellant is contained in a simple pressure vessel, significantly reducing overall system weight.
3Reliability
If current net-based countermeasures are used, then capture capability is achieved, but range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses high-performance solid propellant with optimized grain geometry to achieve higher muzzle velocities. The projectile is aerodynamically streamlined with a pointed nose cone and smooth finish to reduce drag, extending the effective range while maintaining capture capability.
4Reliability
If current net-based countermeasures are used, then capture function is provided, but reload time is prohibitively long
Solution Approach 1:
The entire projectile assembly including net, propellant, and ignition system is contained in a pre-loaded disposable cartridge. Reloading simply requires ejecting the spent cartridge and inserting a fresh one, reducing reload time from minutes to seconds and eliminating complex recharging mechanisms.
5Reliability
If current net-based countermeasures are used, then capture capability is achieved, but projectiles are not reusable requiring replacement between uses
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the reusable launcher platform from the disposable projectile cartridges. The launcher barrel, mounting interface, and firing mechanism remain intact and reusable, while only the cartridges are replaced after each use, significantly improving overall system productivity.
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 solution provides a safe, easy-to-use system with increased accuracy, predictability, and repeatability, allowing for efficient capture of aerial targets with reduced complexity and cost, while minimizing adverse effects on public safety.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of circumferentially disposed protrusions or ridges for engaging with corresponding rifling in a barrel to induce the rotation of the assembly when launched
Implementation Method 2
rotating the projectile minimises the adverse effects of mass and configurational asymmetries which may result non uniform packaging of the net, material imperfections, manufacturing tolerances, and/or the like using the gyroscopic forces of the spin. This promotes flight stability
Implementation Method 3
The plurality of weights may be configured such that a rotation of the assembly causes the plurality of weights to be ejected from the housing, thereby unpacking the net into an expanded configuration
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for use as a net-launching projectile is disclosed. The assembly comprises a housing storing a net in a packed configuration and configured such that a rotation of the assembly causes the net to be ejected from the housing, thereby unpacking the net into an expanded configuration. The assembly also comprises a plurality of circumferentially disposed protrusions or ridges for engaging with corresponding rifling in a barrel to induce the rotation of the assembly when launched. Also disclosed is a net-launching system and a method of capturing an aerial target.