Spring Drone Launcher With Electromagnetic Trigger Reset
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drone launch devices using motorized mechanisms for spring compression increase cost and weight, limiting compactness and volume accommodation for drones.
Innovation Solution
A spring-loaded drone launch device utilizing an electromagnet to control the unlocking of the ejection element, combined with an automatic repositioning mechanism, reduces cost and weight while maintaining compactness and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If motorized mechanisms are used for spring compression and release control, then the drone can be launched reliably, but the cost and weight of the launch device increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces motorized mechanisms with a purely mechanical spring-based release system. The electromagnet serves only as a trigger to release the mechanical latch, rather than driving the entire compression and release process. This substitution eliminates heavy motors while maintaining reliable launch through the stored energy in the compressed spring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the motorized components from the launch device, retaining only the essential electromagnet as a trigger mechanism. The heavy motorized spring compression and release control systems are removed, leaving a lightweight mechanical system that uses the spring's stored energy for the actual launch operation.
2Reliability
If motorized mechanisms are used for spring compression and release control, then the drone can be launched reliably, but the cost of the launch device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive motorized control systems with simple mechanical components. The electromagnet trigger, mechanical latch, and spring system are significantly cheaper to manufacture and assemble than motorized mechanisms, while maintaining reliable launch functionality through proven mechanical principles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive mechanical components that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. The spring-based system uses basic mechanical parts rather than expensive motors and electronic controls, making the overall device more cost-effective for single-use or limited-use scenarios.
3Reliability
If motorized mechanisms are used for spring compression and release control, then the drone can be launched reliably, but the compactness and volume accommodation for drones are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulky motorized mechanisms with compact mechanical components. The spring-based system requires minimal space compared to motors, gearboxes, and electronic controls, allowing for a more compact launch tube design that can accommodate drones of various sizes without the volume constraints imposed by motorized systems.
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 device achieves reliable, safe, and compact drone launch with reduced costs and weight, ensuring efficient reloading and ejection through responsive electromagnet control and automatic repositioning.
Implementation Method 1
a release housing, located at the rear of the launch tube and containing an electromagnet capable of being connected to a source of electricity, at least one release element which is movable within the release housing, under the action of a magnetic field created by the activation of the electromagnet
Implementation Method 2
a compression spring, called an ejection spring, having a longitudinal axis coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the launch tube and having a first end bearing against the rear end of the launch tube and a second end bearing against the ejection element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a spring-powered drone launch device, wherein the drone ejection means (4) comprise control means (7) for unlocking an ejection assembly (5) from its armed position, which include an electromagnet (71), at least one trigger element (70) that is movable, under the action of a magnetic field created by the activation of the electromagnet (71), from a rest position to a release position, in which the at least one trigger element (70) unlocks the ejection assembly (5), and means (74) for returning the at least one trigger element (70) to the rest position, the ejection means (4) further comprising an automatic repositioning mechanism (8) arranged and configured to move the at least one trigger element (70) between the rest and release positions, in the absence of activation of the electromagnet,under the effect of a displacement of the ejection assembly (5) towards its armed position. The invention also relates to a method of launching drones using the device.