UAV Capture System Using Vertical Cable Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UAV capture systems either use nets or single vertical cables, which are inefficient in capturing UAVs as they often arrest only one wing, leading to potential damage and incomplete control during recovery.
Innovation Solution
A vertical cable capture system employing two or more VCC cables with resilient bumps and frangible fairings, supported by a VCC support structure, along with a cable payout apparatus and brake system, and an optional horizontal cable capture apparatus to ensure safe and controlled capture and deceleration of UAVs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single vertical cable is used to capture UAV, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of capture is worsened because it arrests only one wing leading to potential damage and incomplete control
Solution Approach 1:
The single cable system is segmented into multiple vertical cables (at least two) spaced apart to engage both wings of the UAV simultaneously. Each cable independently arrests one wing, distributing the capture force and improving reliability while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
2Reliability
If nets are used to capture UAV, then the capture reliability is improved by controlling both wings, but the device complexity and ease of operation are worsened due to the complex net structure and deployment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential capture function from the complex net system by using only vertical cables to engage the wings. This eliminates the need for large net structures, complex deployment mechanisms, and extensive training requirements while maintaining reliable two-wing capture.
3Ease of operation
If a single vertical cable is used to capture UAV, then the ease of operation is improved, but the object-affected harmful factors increase due to potential damage from arresting only one wing
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the capture system into multiple cables that engage both wings simultaneously, the harmful asymmetric forces are eliminated. Each cable independently controls one wing, distributing the arrest forces evenly and preventing structural damage while keeping the operation simple.
4Ease of operation
If the UAV is allowed to swing freely after capture, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability is worsened due to risk of collision with surfaces during swinging motion
Solution Approach 1:
The cable length is specifically designed to provide sufficient clearance between the UAV and the supporting surface during swinging motion. This counteracts the harmful effect of potential collision by ensuring the UAV's swing arc does not reach the surface, maintaining both simplicity and safety.
Data Source
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AI summary
A UAV capture system including a cable array comprising at least two laterally-spaced cables carried by a first cable support structure. Catches disposed on respective port and starboard wings of a UAV are positioned to engage the cables when the UAV flies into them. A payout device pays out the engaged cables after they have been engaged by the UAV and a brake decelerates the UAV by resisting the pay out of the cables.