UAV Launch and Capture Mechanism for Autonomous Landing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current small unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) face challenges with limited flight time, cumbersome deployment and management, and inefficient automated landing systems, especially in turbulent conditions or on irregular surfaces, due to limited sensing capabilities and processing power.
Innovation Solution
A launch and capture mechanism (LCM) with six degrees of freedom, equipped with sensors and communication systems, allows for precise alignment and automatic capture and launch of UAVs, integrated with a storage system for autonomous operation and servicing, enabling fully automated cycles without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated landing systems are used with limited onboard sensing capability, then the UAV can operate autonomously, but the landing precision and reliability deteriorate in turbulent conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an external landing system with advanced sensors and processing capability that acts as an intermediary between the UAV and the landing pad. This external system compensates for the UAV's limited onboard sensing capability by providing precise tracking and guidance, enabling reliable autonomous landing in turbulent conditions without increasing the UAV's onboard complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent shifts the landing control capability from the UAV dimension to the ground system dimension. By placing sophisticated sensors, processors, and control mechanisms on the ground rather than on the UAV, the system achieves high-precision autonomous landing while the UAV maintains its lightweight, simple onboard systems
2Ease of operation
If manual deployment and management of multiple UAVs is performed, then the operator can make informed decisions, but the operational efficiency and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated launchers and storage systems that enable UAVs to be deployed and retrieved autonomously without operator intervention. The system includes automated battery management, vehicle retrieval, and relaunch capabilities that allow multiple UAVs to operate in cycles independently, dramatically improving productivity while operators maintain supervisory control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates pre-positioned storage systems and automated launchers that prepare UAVs for deployment in advance. Vehicles are staged, batteries are pre-charged, and launch sequences are automated, eliminating the need for operators to manually handle each UAV during critical deployment phases
3Duration of action of moving object
If flight time is extended by using larger batteries, then the mission duration increases, but the weight and payload capacity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated battery swapping systems where depleted batteries are automatically replaced with charged ones at the landing site. This allows UAVs to conduct multiple flight cycles without carrying excess battery weight for extended missions, as batteries are exchanged rather than carried for the entire duration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the battery system into modular, interchangeable units that can be independently managed. Instead of using one large battery for extended flight, the system uses multiple smaller batteries that are swapped automatically, reducing the weight burden on the UAV during each flight cycle
Data Source
AI summary
A system for facilitating automated landing and takeoff of an autonomous or pilot controlled hovering air vehicle with a cooperative underbody at a stationary or mobile landing place and an automated storage system used in conjunction with the landing and takeoff mechanism that stores and services a plurality of UAVs is described. The system is primarily characterized in that the landing mechanism is settable with 6 axes in roll, pitch, yaw, and x, y and z and becomes aligned with and intercepts the air vehicle in flight and decelerates the vehicle with respect to vehicle's inertial limits. The air vehicle and capture mechanism are provided with a transmitter and receiver to coordinate vehicle priority and distance and angles between landing mechanism and air vehicle. The landing and takeoff system has means of tracking the position and orientation of the UAV in real time. The landing mechanism will be substantially aligned to the base of the air vehicle. With small UAVs, their lifting capacity is limited. Reducing sensing and computation requirements by having the landing plate perform the precision adjustments for the landing operation allows for increased flight time and/or payload capacity.