UAV Line Capture Device Rotor Ratchet Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing unmanned aircraft systems face challenges in compact installation and operation, prone to damage during recovery and launch due to high acceleration forces, and are not suitable for tight quarter recoveries without causing damage to the aircraft or the platform.
Innovation Solution
A line capture device with a rotor and ratchet mechanism that securely attaches to the aircraft's wing, allowing for controlled retrieval of unmanned aircraft by a recovery line, which can be deployed from an extendable boom, enabling safe capture and retrieval in confined spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing unmanned aircraft systems are used, then they can perform surveillance missions, but they require substantial space for installation and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The line capture device is integrated into the aircraft structure with the rotor nested within a housing that contains a line slot. The rotor arms fold or retract when not in use, allowing the capture device to occupy minimal space on the aircraft wing while remaining fully functional during recovery operations.
2Productivity
If small and lightweight unmanned aircraft are used, then they are more maneuverable, but they are prone to damage during recovery and launch due to high acceleration forces
Solution Approach 1:
The ratchet mechanism is pre-configured to engage automatically when the recovery line is captured by the rotor arms. This mechanical engagement provides immediate deceleration control and force distribution before the aircraft comes to rest, cushioning the impact forces that would otherwise damage the lightweight airframe.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor arms are designed to rotate and adapt their position dynamically during the capture process. As the aircraft decelerates, the rotor mechanism allows controlled movement to distribute forces evenly across the airframe, preventing concentrated stress points that could cause damage to small, lightweight structures.
3Ease of operation
If manual handling during recovery and launch is used, then操作简单, but the aircraft are prone to damage in hostile environments such as heaving ship decks
Solution Approach 1:
The line capture device with its rotor arms and ratchet mechanism automatically captures the recovery line and secures the aircraft without requiring manual intervention during the critical deceleration phase. The mechanism self-activates upon line contact and self-regulates the deceleration process, eliminating the need for operators to manually handle the aircraft in hostile environments like heaving ship decks.
4Device complexity
If a simple capture mechanism is used, then the device is simpler, but it cannot securely attach the aircraft to the recovery line in tight quarters
Solution Approach 1:
The capture mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: the rotor arms for line capture, the ratchet mechanism for one-way engagement, and the housing for structural support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity. The modular design enables secure attachment through the coordinated action of simple, well-defined parts rather than a single complex mechanism.
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 solution provides a reliable and secure method for capturing and retrieving unmanned aircraft in tight spaces, reducing damage risks and enabling operation in hostile environments by using a rotor and ratchet mechanism to securely attach the aircraft to a recovery line.
Implementation Method 1
a ratchet device operably coupled to the rotor to allow the rotor to rotate in a first direction and at least restrict the rotor from rotating in a second direction opposite the first
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Line capture devices (140; 440) for unmanned aircraft, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a line capture device body (141; 441) having a line slot (144; 444) with an open end (144a) and a closed end (144b). A retainer (146; 446) is positioned proximate to the line slot (144; 444) and has a rotor (147; 447) with a plurality of rotor arms (148; 448) positioned to extend at least partially across the line slot (144; 444) as the rotor (147; 447) rotates relative to the body (141; 441). A joint rotatably couples the rotor (147; 447) to the body (141; 441), and a ratchet device is operably coupled to the rotor (147; 447) to allow the rotor (147; 447) to rotate in a first direction and at least restrict the rotor arm (148; 448) from rotating in a second direction opposite the first. In other embodiments, the retainer (146; 446) can include other arrangements, for example, one or more wire-shaped elements.