UAV Ground Support Assembly for Uneven-Terrain Transport
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), particularly high altitude long endurance aircraft, face challenges during transportation over uneven surfaces that can potentially damage the aircraft, and require safe handling and assembly at distant locations.
Innovation Solution
A ground support system comprising handling fixtures and dollies that facilitate the safe transportation and assembly of UAV components, including 360-degree rotation and height-adjustability, along with dollies that secure the aircraft to prevent unintended flight and towing mechanisms to manage uneven terrain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the UAV is transported over uneven surfaces, then the UAV can reach distant locations, but the aircraft may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV is divided into separate modular components (landing gear, fuselage, wings) that can be independently handled and assembled. The handling fixture separately supports the landing gear and fuselage, allowing them to be transported and assembled without risking damage to the complete aircraft structure over uneven terrain
Solution Approach 2:
A handling fixture acts as an intermediary device between the ground support equipment and the UAV components. This fixture provides controlled support and positioning during transport and assembly operations, preventing direct contact between uneven surfaces and sensitive aircraft parts
2Adaptability or versatility
If the UAV is assembled at distant locations, then extended flight operations are enabled, but handling and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handling fixture is designed as a multi-functional device that can support landing gear, support fuselages, and enable both transport and assembly operations. This universal fixture reduces the need for multiple specialized equipment at distant locations, simplifying the overall handling system while enabling extended flight operations
Solution Approach 2:
The handling fixture incorporates movable and adjustable components that can adapt to different UAV configurations and assembly positions. This dynamic capability allows the same fixture to handle various operations at distant locations without requiring complex reconfiguration of multiple static devices
3Ease of operation
If handling fixtures allow 360-degree rotation and height adjustment, then assembly flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple adjustment functions (rotation and height adjustment) are merged into a single integrated handling fixture design. Rather than using separate mechanisms for each function, the fixture combines these capabilities in one unified structure, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full assembly flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods for a ground support system for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) including: at least one handling fixture, where each handling fixture is configured to support at least one wing panel of the UAV; and at least one dolly, where each dolly is configured to receive at least one landing pod of the UAV, and where each landing pod supports at least one wing panel of the UAV; where the at least one handling fixture and the at least one dolly are configured to move and rotate two or more wing panels to align the two or more wing panels with each other for assembly of the UAV; and where the at least one dolly further allows for transportation of the UAV over uneven terrain.