UAV Defense System Using Dynamic Threat Assessment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current defense systems against small unmanned aircraft (UAVs) are inadequate in providing reliable and versatile protection, often resulting in either excessive destruction or insufficient countermeasures, and fail to efficiently manage the risk of uncontrolled crashes in sensitive areas.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that assesses a threat level and hazard level to select a sequential series of countermeasures, escalating as necessary, using a combination of reconnaissance and defense UAVs with low- and high-energy countermeasures, including electromagnetic radiation, capture devices, and safety nets to neutralize or redirect the UAV, ensuring the mildest effective response.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If strong electromagnetic pulses are used to trigger malfunction within the UAV, then the defense effectiveness is improved, but the risk of uncontrolled crash and excessive destruction increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefense effectivenessVSAvoiduncontrolled crash risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts the defense measures based on real-time threat assessment. It evaluates UAV behavior, proximity to protected areas, and potential harm to determine the appropriate response level, transitioning from passive monitoring to active intervention only when necessary

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameters of defense measures based on threat level. Instead of using fixed strong electromagnetic pulses, it adjusts the intensity and type of countermeasures (from communication jamming to electromagnetic interference) according to the assessed threat level, minimizing unnecessary destruction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If maximum countermeasures are always applied, then the safety of the protected area is improved, but the resource efficiency and inconspicuous operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety of protected areaVSAvoidresource efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies only the necessary portion of countermeasures based on the actual threat level. Instead of always using maximum force, it employs partial actions (low-intensity jamming, monitoring) when threats are minimal, and escalates to excessive actions (strong electromagnetic pulses, physical interception) only when absolutely necessary

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The defense system is segmented into multiple levels of countermeasures. It divides the response into stages: detection, monitoring, warning, active defense, and emergency intervention. This segmentation allows the system to use minimal resources for low threats while maintaining the capability for maximum response when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If a sequence of countermeasures with increasing intensity is implemented, then the adaptability to different threat levels is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse to different threat levelsVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses dynamic threat assessment algorithms that automatically evaluate multiple parameters (UAV identity, trajectory, speed, proximity to protected areas) and adjust the defense response in real-time. This dynamic adaptation simplifies the decision-making process compared to manual assessment of multiple countermeasure options

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If the mildest effective countermeasures are used, then the inconspicuous operation is improved, but the time to neutralize a serious threat may increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinconspicuous operationVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs periodic assessment of the threat situation, continuously monitoring UAV behavior and adjusting countermeasures in cycles. It starts with mild periodic jamming or communication interference, and if the UAV does not respond or continues approaching, it escalates to stronger periodic electromagnetic pulses, balancing inconspicuous operation with response effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

This approach effectively defends against UAVs with a graduated response that minimizes unnecessary destruction, efficiently uses resources, and ensures the safety of protected areas by employing the least severe countermeasures necessary, while maintaining inconspicuous operation.

Implementation Method 1

an emitter (22) for generating electromagnetic defense radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a sensor device (21) for detecting a small aircraft within a surveillance area (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadar detection: Radar

Data Source

PatentEP3306260B1Method and system for defence against aerial threats in the form of controllable unmanned small air vehicles
Publication Date: 2019.07.17 MBDA DEUTSCHIAND GMBH
  • EP3306260B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3306260B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3306260B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention describes a method (M) for defending against intimidating missiles (10) in the form of controllable small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Based on a defined threat level, which describes the probable threat risk emanating from the intimidating missile (10) to a protected area (1), and a defined hazard level, which indicates whether an uncontrolled crash of the intimidating missile (10) within a defense area (2) is acceptable, a sequence of countermeasures of increasing intensity is selected and carried out against the intimidating missile (10). Furthermore, a system for defending against intimidating missiles (10) in the form of controllable small unmanned aerial vehicles is described.