UAV RF Triggering for Controlled Chemical Dispersal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UAV-based dispersal systems lack an effective electrical ignition mechanism to activate chemical dispersant devices, such as smoke canisters, percussion-primed canisters, and pressurized canisters, and do not incorporate incendiary elements like electric matches for controlled release of chemical agents.
Innovation Solution
A UAV-mountable system utilizing a radio frequency (RF) triggering mechanism to supply electrical current for activating electric matches, linear solenoids, or electric primers, allowing for controlled release of chemical agents, including smoke, irritants, and fire retardants, with optional optical aiming for precision deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If UAV-mounted dispersant devices use manual or mechanical triggering mechanisms, then the device structure remains simple, but the precision and control of chemical agent deployment is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical triggering mechanisms with an electrical ignition system. The electrical primer, electric match, or solenoid actuator is activated by electrical signals from a remote control transmitter, enabling precise and controlled deployment of chemical agents without requiring complex manual mechanical triggers on the UAV itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electrical circuit board as an intermediary between the remote control transmitter and the dispersant release mechanism. This intermediary processes the remote control signals and activates the appropriate electrical ignition element, providing precise control while keeping the UAV structure relatively simple.
2Ease of operation
If UAV-mounted dispersant devices incorporate electrical ignition mechanisms, then the control and precision of chemical release is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the electrical circuit board to support multiple types of electrical ignition elements (electrical primer, electric match, solenoid actuator) through a single unified interface. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle different dispersant device types without requiring separate control systems, thereby improving ease of operation while limiting the increase in complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical circuit board automatically routes control signals to the appropriate ignition element based on the configured dispersant device type. The system self-configures and self-manages the electrical connections, reducing the operational complexity for the user while maintaining precise remote control capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dispersant devices are mounted on the UAV, then the versatility of chemical dispersal operations is improved, but the weight and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the dispersant delivery system into separate, modular dispersant canisters that can be independently mounted or removed from the UAV. Each canister is a self-contained unit with its own electrical ignition element, allowing the UAV to carry multiple different types of dispersants (tear gas, smoke, fire retardant) without requiring a single complex integrated system, thereby managing weight while maximizing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic reconfiguration of the UAV's dispersant loadout by allowing quick replacement of individual dispersant canisters. The electrical circuit board is designed to automatically recognize and adapt to different canister configurations, enabling the UAV to adjust its chemical dispersal capabilities based on mission requirements without carrying all possible dispersant types simultaneously, thus optimizing weight while maintaining adaptability.
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 controlled and precise deployment of various chemical agents, including smoke and irritants, with the ability to activate multiple dispersant devices during a single flight, improving the accuracy and versatility of chemical dispersal operations.
Implementation Method 1
an auxiliary circuit board attached to the baseplate and configured to supply electrical current sufficient to activate an electric match that is installed within the dispersant canister
Implementation Method 2
the auxiliary circuit board is configured to supply electrical current sufficient to activate a linear solenoid, the linear solenoid being mounted to a solenoid connector
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) comprising a baseplate that is attached to the UAV unmanned aerial vehicle, at least one dispersant canister that is removably attached to the baseplate, a radio frequency receiver, an auxiliary circuit board, at least one battery, first and second wire pairs that supply electrical current from the auxiliary circuit board, a protective housing, and a radio frequency transmitter that is in communication with the radio frequency receiver. In alternate embodiments, the invention further comprises an electric match, linear solenoid, or electric primer.