Telescopic Anchoring Harpoon for Rotary-Wing Drones
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Solution Overview
Problem
The adaptation of existing anchoring harpoons for helicopters to rotary-wing drones has been unsuccessful due to issues such as size, weight, and maintenance concerns.
Innovation Solution
A telescopic anchoring harpoon with a cylinder-shaped jack mechanism, pressurized fluid supply using a CO2 cartridge, and a bistable actuator with a rotating mechanical lock, allowing for efficient deployment and locking of the harpoon head in the anchoring grid, reducing the need for continuous pressure and enabling automatic landing and take-off of drones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional anchoring harpoon designed for helicopters is used, then the anchoring function is achieved, but the size and weight are too large for rotary-wing drones
Solution Approach 1:
The jack mechanism employs telescopic cylinders where one cylinder is nested inside another, allowing the harpoon to be compact when retracted and extend when needed. This nesting principle reduces the overall size and weight of the harpoon system while maintaining its anchoring function, making it suitable for rotary-wing drones with strict weight constraints.
2Force
If a conventional jack mechanism with single cylinder is used, then the anchoring force is sufficient, but the length in folded position is too long for drone integration
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic cylinder design allows the jack to provide sufficient anchoring force when extended while maintaining a compact folded length suitable for drone integration. The nested cylinders collapse into each other when retracted, minimizing the protruding length while preserving the mechanical advantage needed for anchoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The single cylinder is divided into multiple telescopic sections that can extend and retract independently. This segmentation allows the jack to achieve the required stroke length for anchoring force while keeping the retracted length minimal for compact drone integration.
3Reliability
If continuous pressure is applied to maintain harpoon position, then the anchoring is stable, but the energy consumption and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous pressure, the system uses periodic pressure pulses to actuate the bistable actuator. The bistable mechanism maintains the harpoon in either the anchored or retracted position without requiring continuous energy input, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining anchoring stability through the mechanical locking action.
Solution Approach 2:
The bistable actuator is a self-locking mechanism that maintains its position without external energy input once actuated. The mechanical lock holds the harpoon firmly in place, making the system self-sustaining during the anchored state and eliminating the need for continuous pressure or power supply.
4Ease of operation
If a complex control system with multiple actuators is used, then the harpoon control is precise, but the device complexity and maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex multi-actuator control system is replaced by extracting and utilizing the bistable property of a single actuator. The bistable actuator inherently provides two stable positions (anchored and retracted) through its mechanical lock design, eliminating the need for additional actuators or complex control electronics while maintaining precise control.
Solution Approach 2:
The bistable actuator serves dual functions: it actuates the harpoon and simultaneously locks it in position through its mechanical lock. This self-locking capability eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms or continuous control input, simplifying the overall system while maintaining precise positioning.
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 telescopic design reduces the harpoon's length in the folded position, allowing for adaptation to drone space constraints, while the bistable actuator maintains the harpoon in position with minimal pressure pulses, enhancing the anchoring process and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
The cylinder-shaped means are connected to a source of pressurized fluid through control means and in that this source of pressurized fluid comprises a consumable gas cartridge, the gas is CO2
Implementation Method 2
a helical return and pressing spring is interposed between this end of the jack and the head of the harpoon, the helical spring is arranged around means in the form of a cylinder
Implementation Method 3
the control means comprise means forming a solenoid valve controlled on opening and closing to supply the means in the form of a jack
Implementation Method 4
the bistable actuator comprises a wheel with bevelled teeth interposed between the control piston and an actuating rod of the fingers, arranged in a sleeve connected to the cylinder rod
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an anchoring harpoon intended in particular for an aircraft, capable of cooperating with an anchoring grate (2) of a platform, comprising jack means (3) including cylinder means (4) containing mobile piston means (5) provided with a rod (6) that extends beyond the cylinder means, the free end of which includes a harpoon head (7) that is hooked in the grate (2) and comprises retaining fingers (8, 13, 14) that can be moved between a retracted position and an active position by control means (9). The invention is characterised in that the cylinder means (4) include at least two telescopic cylinder portions (10, 11) which can move between a position in which one portion is retracted inside the other and an active position in which one portion projects out from the other.