UAV Launch Restraint System Shock Isolation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional UAV launch systems face issues with structural integrity, shock transfer, vibration damage, propeller clearance, and the need for customized systems for varying UAV configurations, making them costly and impractical for diverse aerial vehicles, especially in environments with wind gusts and foreign object damage.

Innovation Solution

A system featuring a passive restraint mechanism attached to a launch platform, using a glide drawer with torsion springs and retention rails to indirectly restrain UAVs, allowing uniform retention and release, and incorporating a trigger assembly for controlled launch, which absorbs shocks and prevents binding, accommodating various UAV configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a directly restrained UAV is used with conventional launch systems, then the UAV can be launched with some protection from FOD and wind gusts, but the structural hard-points on the UAV may not have sufficient structural integrity to resist the shock of launch, causing damage to the aircraft

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from FOD and wind gustsVSAvoidstructural integrity of hard-points

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a restraint system as an intermediary between the launch platform and the UAV. This restraint system includes a restraint member that can be positioned to engage with the UAV's landing gear, providing a distributed contact point that reduces shock concentration on any single hard-point while still maintaining controlled restraint during launch

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The restraint system is designed to gradually engage and release the UAV during the launch sequence. The restraint member can be positioned to provide progressive restraint, allowing the UAV to build speed while maintaining protection, and then release in a controlled manner to avoid sudden shock loads on the aircraft structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If conventional launch systems are used, then the UAV can be restrained and launched, but significant transient movements occur after release, resulting in faulty launch of the vehicle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrolled restraint during launchVSAvoidtransient movements after release

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The restraint system incorporates a trigger assembly that monitors the launch sequence and provides feedback control. The trigger assembly ensures the restraint member is released at the precise moment when the UAV has achieved sufficient speed and stability, preventing transient movements and ensuring proper launch characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The restraint system transitions from a static restraint to a dynamic system that adapts during the launch sequence. The restraint member can be positioned to engage at different stages of the launch, and the trigger assembly controls the timing of release based on the dynamic state of the UAV, ensuring smooth transition from restrained to free-flight conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If conventional launch systems are used, then the UAV can be restrained, but shock and vibration are transferred to the aircraft, damaging control systems and avionics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverestraint during launchVSAvoidshock and vibration transfer

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The restraint system acts as an intermediary that isolates the UAV from direct shock and vibration transmission. The restraint member provides a compliant contact point that can absorb and dissipate shock energies, preventing direct transfer to the aircraft's control systems and avionics while maintaining necessary restraint during the launch sequence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The restraint system is designed to cushion shock and vibration before they can reach the UAV's sensitive systems. The restraint member and trigger assembly work together to provide progressive restraint and controlled release, cushioning the impact of launch forces and preventing vibration transmission to the aircraft's control surfaces and electronic systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Reliability

If a substantially direct connection between the restrained device and the restraining device is used, then the restraint is effective, but the two bind and prevent their decoupling during launch

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffective restraintVSAvoiddecoupling during launch

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The restraint system is segmented into distinct components: a restraint member that can be positioned to engage the UAV, and a trigger assembly that controls the release. This segmentation allows the restraint to be effectively applied during the launch sequence while enabling controlled decoupling when needed, as each component can independently function and release without binding the other

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

5Reliability

If conventional launch systems are customized for a single type of UAV, then the launch is optimized for that specific aircraft, but it becomes expensive and impractical to launch UAVs of varying configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptimized launch for specific UAVVSAvoidcapability to launch varying UAV configurations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The restraint system is designed with universal applicability across different UAV configurations. The restraint member can be positioned to engage various types of landing gears, and the trigger assembly can be adjusted to accommodate different UAV weights and sizes. This multi-functional design allows a single launch system to optimize performance for different UAV types without requiring custom configurations, reducing costs and increasing versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 effectively launches UAVs while minimizing damage from shock and vibration, ensuring proper decoupling and accommodating different UAV configurations, reducing costs and operational complexity.

Implementation Method 1

A system featuring a passive restraint mechanism attached to a launch platform, using a glide drawer with torsion springs and retention rails to indirectly restrain UAVs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsion spring: Torsion Spring

Data Source

PatentUS7665691B2Aerial vehicle launching system and method

Publication Date: 2010.02.23 RAYTHEON CO

AI summary

An aerial vehicle launching system includes a launch platform and a restraint system coupled to the launch platform. The restraint system has at least one passive restraint suitably adapted to indirectly restrain an aerial vehicle. The restraint system is configured to coordinate the uniform retention and release of the passive restraint in order to launch the aerial vehicle.