Submersible UAV Launch Canister for Covert Sea-to-Air Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a reliable, cost-effective, and covert method for the sea-to-air deployment of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) from underwater by a diver, capable of preventing wetting during transport and launch, and ensuring successful transition to flight under adverse maritime conditions.
Innovation Solution
A submersible transport and launch canister with a diver-actuated cap, pressure vessel, and tilt system, allowing for manual initiation and controlled launch of UAVs, featuring a waterproof membrane, pressure relief valve, and buoyancy control to maintain the UAV dry and facilitate successful flight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a diver manually transports and launches a UAV from underwater, then covert littoral surveillance can be achieved, but the UAV may be wetted during transport and launch
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible waterproof membrane is used to seal the launch tube, preventing water from contacting the UAV during underwater transport and launch. The membrane remains intact until the UAV is fully ejected from the canister, ensuring the UAV stays dry throughout the deployment process.
2Reliability
If a diver operates under adverse maritime conditions (low light, high sea states), then covert deployment is enabled, but the diver-actuated mechanisms must function reliably
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is designed to rotate between closed and open positions, and the tilt mechanism automatically adjusts the canister orientation based on water surface conditions. These dynamic features allow the system to adapt to varying sea states and lighting conditions while remaining operable by a diver.
Solution Approach 2:
The tilt mechanism automatically orients the canister toward the water surface using buoyancy and gravitational forces, reducing the manual adjustment required by the diver. The system self-adjusts to favorable launch angles without complex manual controls.
3Reliability
If the canister is designed for manual diver actuation, then covert operation is achieved, but the launch angle control must be precise
Solution Approach 1:
A tilt mechanism with counterbalancing elements is employed to control the canister's orientation. The mechanism uses mechanical advantage and counterweights to achieve precise angular control with minimal diver input, balancing launch angle precision with operational simplicity.
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 reliable, covert, and cost-effective sea-to-air deployment of UAVs by a diver, preventing wetting and ensuring successful transition to flight under adverse conditions, with the ability to operate in low light and high sea states.
Implementation Method 1
waterproof membrane
Implementation Method 2
pressure relief valve
Implementation Method 3
buoyancy control
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of a method for deploying an airborne object are provided utilizing a submersible transport and launch canister (10) of the type that includes a pressure vessel (14) in which the airborne object is stored and a cap (22) which sealingly engages the pressure vessel (14). In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of positioning an end portion (16) of the pressure vessel (14) above the surface level (36) of a body of water, opening the cap (22), and launching the airborne object from the pressure vessel (14) while in the body of water.