Unmanned Aircraft Line Capture Device for Confined Space Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing unmanned aircraft systems face challenges in compact installation and operation, are prone to damage during recovery and launch due to high acceleration forces, and are not suitable for tight quarter recoveries without causing damage to the aircraft or the platform.
Innovation Solution
A line capture device system that includes an extendable boom with a recovery line and a line capture device on the aircraft wing, which securely attaches the aircraft to the recovery line using a rotor mechanism and retainer system, allowing for reliable capture and retrieval in various environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing unmanned aircraft systems are used, then surveillance missions can be performed, but they require substantial space and are difficult to install in cramped quarters
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a launch device that can be positioned in cramped quarters, an unmanned aircraft that is compact and lightweight, and a recovery device with a retractable boom. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for space efficiency while maintaining overall system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The recovery device uses a retractable boom that extends vertically into the flight path, utilizing the vertical dimension rather than requiring horizontal space. This allows recovery operations to occur in tight quarters without requiring large deck areas or installation space.
2Area of stationary object
If small and lightweight unmanned aircraft are used, then they can operate in confined spaces, but they are subjected to higher acceleration and deceleration forces and are prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The recovery device is designed to capture the aircraft gently using a net or basket mechanism that dissipates impact energy. The boom extends to intercept the aircraft before it reaches high speeds, and the capture mechanism provides progressive deceleration rather than sudden stopping, protecting the lightweight aircraft from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
A recovery net or basket acts as an intermediary between the aircraft and the boom structure. This intermediary component absorbs and distributes the forces of capture and deceleration, protecting the aircraft fuselage from direct impact forces while enabling reliable recovery.
3Ease of operation
If manual handling during recovery is used, then operations can be performed, but the aircraft is prone to damage in hostile environments such as heaving ship decks
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service recovery operations where the unmanned aircraft is automatically captured by the extendable boom and net mechanism without requiring manual handling. The pilot or operator simply activates the boom extension and capture sequence, and the system performs the recovery autonomously, eliminating exposure to hostile environments during manual operations.
4Productivity
If existing recovery devices are used, then aircraft can be recovered, but they are not suitable for recovering aircraft in tight quarters without causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The recovery device features a dynamically extendable and retractable boom that adjusts its length and position based on the aircraft's approach. The boom can extend rapidly to intercept the aircraft in tight quarters, then retract to clear the recovery area. This dynamic adjustment allows effective recovery in confined spaces while maintaining control to prevent damage.
Data Source
AI summary
Line capture devices for unmanned aircraft, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a line capture device body having a line slot with an open end and a closed end. A retainer is positioned proximate to the line slot and has a rotor with a plurality of rotor arms positioned to extend at least partially across the line slot as the rotor rotates relative to the body. A joint rotatably couples the rotor to the body, and a ratchet device is operably coupled to the rotor to allow the rotor to rotate in a first direction and at least restrict the rotor arm from rotating in a second direction opposite the first. In other embodiments, the retainer can include other arrangements, for example, one or more wire-shaped elements.