3D Countermeasure Cloud for Small UAV Propeller Interception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for intercepting small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are inefficient and costly, often requiring expensive kinetic energy, direct line of sight, and can disrupt legitimate communications, posing risks and challenges in dealing with the growing threat of small UAV incursions near critical infrastructure and personnel.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that detects and intercepts UAVs by deploying a cloud of countermeasure objects configured to interfere with the propellers, disrupting lift or thrust characteristics, using a computer system to track and predict the UAV's path and deploy countermeasures effectively, reducing the need for expensive targeting systems and minimizing communication disruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional interception methods (nets, lasers, fighter jets) are used to intercept small UAVs, then interception capability is improved, but cost and energy consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable foam blocks as countermeasure objects that are inexpensive to manufacture and deploy. These foam blocks are released in clouds from delivery vehicles and used up in single interception attempts, eliminating the need for expensive, reusable systems like fighter jets or laser equipment while maintaining effective interception capability against small UAVs.
2Reliability
If electronic countermeasures (jamming, spoofing) are used to intercept UAVs, then interception capability is improved, but risk of disrupting legitimate communications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic countermeasure systems with a mechanical interception approach using foam blocks that physically disrupt UAV propellers. This mechanical substitution eliminates the risk of disrupting legitimate communications while maintaining effective interception capability, as the foam blocks directly interfere with the UAV's propulsion system without affecting electronic communication frequencies.
3Reliability
If nets or lasers are used to intercept UAVs, then interception capability is improved, but requirement for direct line of sight and expensive targeting systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the interception system into simple delivery vehicles that release clouds of foam blocks without requiring complex targeting mechanisms. The foam blocks are dispersed in a volumetric cloud that increases the probability of intercepting the UAV, eliminating the need for precise line-of-sight targeting systems while maintaining effective interception capability.
4Reliability
If fighter jets are scrambled for UAV interception, then interception capability is improved, but response time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs ground-based or aerial delivery vehicles that can autonomously deploy foam block clouds in the projected path of detected UAVs. This self-service capability eliminates the need to scramble fighter jets, significantly reducing response time and cost while maintaining effective interception capability through automated detection and countermeasure deployment.
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 system efficiently intercepts UAVs by disrupting their propulsion, allowing for automatic shutdown or landing, reducing costs and minimizing risks to communication systems, while effectively addressing the challenges of small UAV incursions without causing damage to people or infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
The CM objects may comprise pieces of flexible material or materials configured to become ensnared in propeller blades of the one or more propellers of the target UAV so as to effect a negative torque thereon countering a motor torque, or to become ensnared in a protective cage of the one or more propellers so as to at least partially block an airflow thereto.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a system and method for intercepting a target UAV by releasing a plurality of countermeasure (CM) objects in a projected path thereof to form a 3D countermeasure cloud. Pieces of flexible materials configured to become ensnared in the propellers of the target UAV or otherwise interfere with their ability to provide lift and thrust capabilities to the UAV. A UAV interception control system may track the target UAV and compute a location probability volume therefor using a modified Kalman filter to decide on a projected interception location and time.