UAV Launch Tube Detachable Clasp for Controlled Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for launching unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are time-consuming and cumbersome, often requiring manual assembly and guidance, which can be inefficient and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A launch tube apparatus featuring a sabot with an expandable skirt and a clasp mechanism, where gas generation creates a high-pressure volume to detachably secure the UAV within the tube, allowing for rapid and controlled ejection using a tether and rotational constraints to maintain coupling during launch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual assembly and guidance methods are used for UAV launch, then the UAV can be launched with simple equipment, but the launch process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV is pre-assembled and pre-positioned within the launch tube before launch operations begin. The clasp mechanism is pre-configured to automatically engage with the UAV upon insertion, eliminating the need for manual assembly and guidance during the actual launch process.
Solution Approach 2:
The clasp mechanism automatically engages with the UAV's mounting interface when the UAV is inserted into the launch tube. The system self-secures without requiring manual intervention, and the gas generator automatically propels the UAV when activated, reducing labor-intensive operations.
2Reliability
If a secure coupling mechanism is used to ensure UAV remains coupled during ejection, then launch reliability improves, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into separate functional components: the clasp mechanism for securing, the gas generator for propulsion, and the expandable skirt for sealing. Each component performs a specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The clasp acts as an intermediary between the launch tube and the UAV, providing a reliable mechanical connection. The expandable skirt serves as an intermediary seal between the gas generator and the launch tube wall, ensuring efficient gas pressure transmission without requiring direct contact between all components.
3Stress or pressure
If an expandable skirt with adhesive restraint is used to create high-pressure volume, then gas pressure containment improves, but the launch mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The skirt transitions from a restrained state to an expanded state during operation. Initially, the adhesive keeps the skirt collapsed and restrained within the launch tube. When the gas generator activates, the pressure causes the skirt to expand dynamically, creating the high-pressure volume needed for effective UAV propulsion.
Solution Approach 2:
The skirt's physical state changes from collapsed to expanded as gas pressure increases. The adhesive restraint parameter changes from active (holding the skirt restrained) to inactive (broken by gas pressure), allowing the skirt to expand and contain the high-pressure gas volume effectively.
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
Facilitates quick and efficient assembly, testing, and launch of UAVs by providing a secure, detachable mechanism that ensures the UAV remains coupled during ejection, reducing manual intervention and enhancing launch efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the gas generator configured to generate gas to generate a high-pressure volume between the expandable skirt and the shell
Implementation Method 2
the generated pressure is sufficient to push the expandable skirt off of the shell by breaking the adhesive restraint
Implementation Method 3
The expandable skirt may be axially restrained within the tube using an adhesive, and the adhesive may detachably bind the expandable skirt about a shell within the tube
Implementation Method 4
the clasp is rotationally constrained by the inner circumferential wall and the first clasp tab. The inner circumferential wall prevents the clasp from slipping off of the second clasp tab
Data Source
AI summary
An unmanned aerial vehicle launch tube that has a tube, a sabot disposed in an interior of said tube, said sabot having a first clasp tab, and a clasp detachably coupled to said first clasp tab and contacting an inner circumferential wall of said tube so that said clasp is rotationally constrained by the inner circumferential wall and said first clasp tab.