UAV Launcher Wedge Interface for Rapid Swarm Launch
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current UAV launch systems are inadequate for rapid and efficient launching of multiple UAVs, especially in remote areas, as they often require extensive force-bearing components, consumables, and are not designed for compact, portable, and reliable operation, particularly in scenarios like UAV swarming.
Innovation Solution
A UAV launcher system utilizing a conveyor mechanism driven by a DC motor controlled by an intelligent motor controller, which accelerates UAVs to launching velocity through a wedge interface, allowing for rapid successive launches while minimizing acceleration forces and consumables, and ensuring operator safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional UAV launch systems are used, then UAVs can be launched, but the launch process is slow and cannot support rapid successive launches required for UAV swarming
Solution Approach 1:
The launch system is segmented into modular components including a conveyor belt mechanism, wedge interface, and rail guides that can independently function and be rapidly reconfigured. This segmentation allows the system to service one UAV while another is being launched, enabling continuous operation and rapid successive launches.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor belt pre-positions UAVs on the launch rail before the actual launch sequence begins. This preliminary action allows the next UAV to be ready for launch immediately after the previous one departs, eliminating idle time between launches and supporting swarm operations.
2Force
If traditional launch mechanisms are employed, then sufficient launch force can be provided, but the system requires extensive force-bearing components and is not compact or portable
Solution Approach 1:
The heavy force-bearing components are extracted and replaced by the wedge interface mechanism that converts lateral conveyor motion into longitudinal launch force. This extraction eliminates the need for extensive traditional force-bearing structures while maintaining sufficient launch force through the wedge's mechanical advantage.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge interface acts as an intermediary between the conveyor belt and the UAV. It converts the lateral motion of the conveyor into the longitudinal launch force needed for takeoff, eliminating the need for direct force transmission mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If conventional launch systems are used, then UAVs can be launched, but the systems require consumables like compressed air canisters reducing operational independence
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the conveyor belt's own motion to generate launch force through the wedge interface, eliminating the need for external consumables like compressed air canisters. The mechanical energy from the conveyor motor is directly converted to launch force, making the system self-sufficient and operationally independent.
4Productivity
If rapid successive launches are enabled, then UAV swarming capability is improved, but acceleration forces may exceed UAV limits
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt speed and wedge interface angle are dynamically adjusted during the launch sequence. The system starts with lower speeds and gradually increases acceleration, allowing UAVs to experience controlled, progressive forces that remain within structural limits while still achieving rapid successive launches.
Solution Approach 2:
The launch parameters including conveyor speed, wedge angle, and acceleration profile are continuously modified during operation. By changing these parameters in real-time based on UAV type and conditions, the system optimizes the balance between launch speed and acceleration force limits.
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
Enables rapid and efficient launching of multiple UAVs in a short period with a compact, portable, and reliable design, reducing the need for consumables and force-bearing components, thereby enhancing operational independence and usability in diverse mission scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
A DC motor is coupled to the driver wheel and generates rotation of the driver wheel, and correspondingly governs the linear velocity of the conveyor
Implementation Method 2
A wedge interface is coupled to the transmission drive and utilized to motivate a UAV to the launching velocity during launch
Data Source
AI summary
Provided here is a UAV launcher generally comprising a launcher frame, first rail guide, second rail guide, and a conveyor system comprising a conveyor, where the first rail guide, second rail guide, and some portion of the conveyor are typically substantially parallel, and where the first and second rail guide typically extend beyond the driver wheel of the conveyor system in a launching direction. The driver wheel and driven wheel of the conveyor system rotate on axes generally perpendicular to the first and second rail guide. A DC motor is coupled to the driver wheel and generates rotation of the driver wheel, and correspondingly governs the linear velocity of the conveyor. A motor controller is configured to control the RPM of the DC motor using a motor speed profile and a wedge interface coupled to the transmission drive motivates a loaded UAV to a launching velocity such that the UAV achieves airborne operation.