Friendly UAV Capturing Device for Threat Drone Arrest
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for defeating threat unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are ineffective in capturing and controlling them for safe disposal or intelligence gathering, as they often rely on unreliable electronic disruption or net-based systems that cannot control the UAV's flight to a remote location.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a friendly unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with a capturing device and load-limited release mechanisms that can arrest and reposition a threat UAV, allowing for controlled transport to a remote location using deployable parachutes and adaptable suspension rods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronic disruption systems are used to defeat threat UAVs, then the connection between threat UAV and operator can be disrupted, but the ability to control the flight of the threat UAV to a safe location is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third-party capturing device (net or cage) as an intermediary between the friendly UAV and the threat UAV. This mediator physically intercepts the threat UAV and transfers control to the friendly UAV, solving the problem that electronic disruption alone cannot provide physical capture and safe location control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely electronic disruption methods with a mechanical capture system. Instead of relying solely on electronic warfare to neutralize the threat UAV, a mechanical capturing device is deployed to physically intercept and secure the vehicle, providing both disruption and physical control capabilities.
2Reliability
If net launching systems are used to arrest threat UAVs, then the threat UAV can be entangled, but the deployment mechanisms require line of sight and multiple attempts are needed, increasing time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic deployment mechanisms where the capturing device can be rapidly deployed from stowed to operational position during flight. The net or cage is stored in a compact form and quickly deployed when the threat UAV is detected, eliminating the need for complex pre-positioned launch mechanisms and reducing the requirement for line of sight.
Solution Approach 2:
The capturing device is pre-loaded and stowed on the friendly UAV before engagement. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid deployment without complex on-demand assembly, reducing the time and complexity required during the actual capture operation.
3Reliability
If net launching systems are used to arrest threat UAVs, then the threat UAV can be entangled, but the inability to control the flight of arrested UAV to safe location remains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the capture function with the transport function into a single integrated system. The same capturing device that intercepts the threat UAV also serves as the mounting structure for transporting it to a safe location, eliminating the need for separate arrest and transport systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The capturing device serves multiple functions: it acts as the interception mechanism, the mounting structure for the threat UAV, and the transport carrier to safe locations. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by providing both arrest capability and controlled flight to safe location through a single system.
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 effective capture and controlled transportation of threat UAVs to a safe location, reducing the need for multiple attempts and minimizing risks associated with malicious payloads, while avoiding the limitations of existing electronic disruption and net-based systems.
Implementation Method 1
providing a controlled drop of the captured vehicle
Implementation Method 2
deployable parachutes
Data Source
AI summary
A system for defeating a threat unmanned aerial vehicle. The system includes a friendly unmanned aerial vehicle, a capturing device configured to be suspended from the friendly unmanned aerial vehicle for arresting a threat unmanned aerial vehicle, and one or more load-limited release mechanisms for removably suspending a releasable portion of the capturing device from the friendly unmanned aerial vehicle. In certain embodiments, the load-limited release mechanisms are configured to release the entirety of the capturing device from the friendly unmanned aerial vehicle upon capture of the threat unmanned aerial vehicle. In other embodiments, the load limited release mechanisms are configured to release only a peripheral portion of the capturing device to reposition a captured unmanned aerial vehicle to a central portion of the capturing device for carrying the captured vehicle to a remote location.