Hand Launchable UAV Targeting via Spiral Search and Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) lack an efficient and precise targeting mechanism for guiding them to a desired target, particularly in a portable and user-friendly manner.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a body with lateral wings, flight control surfaces, and a propulsion system, along with an acquisition sensor and trigger sensor, allowing the UAV to search for and guide towards a target using a downward spiral path and activation mode, enabling precise targeting and potential responder activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current UAVs are used for reconnaissance and targeting, then they can perform basic flight and detection functions, but they lack efficient and precise targeting mechanisms for guiding to desired targets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through the controller that receives signals from both the acquisition sensor (for target identification) and trigger sensor (for proximity detection), and automatically adjusts flight control surfaces to guide the UAV toward the target. This closed-loop feedback system enables precise automated targeting without requiring complex manual control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical targeting mechanisms with sensor-based detection systems (acquisition sensor and trigger sensor) coupled with electronic flight control. This substitution of mechanical systems with sensor-electronic-control systems achieves precise targeting while reducing mechanical complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the UAV uses a portable launcher for deployment, then it achieves portability and ease of deployment, but it requires efficient targeting capabilities to compensate for limited launch control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by equipping the UAV with pre-configured acquisition and trigger sensors that are ready to immediately detect and track targets upon deployment. The flight control system is pre-programmed with search and acquisition algorithms, enabling the UAV to quickly establish target contact without requiring complex pre-launch targeting preparations.
Solution Approach 2:
The UAV performs self-service targeting through its autonomous sensor systems that automatically detect, acquire, and track targets without external assistance. The trigger sensor autonomously determines proximity to targets and activates the responder, enabling the system to serve its own targeting needs efficiently.
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
This configuration enables the UAV to efficiently and accurately locate and engage targets, providing a portable and effective solution for reconnaissance and targeting applications.
Implementation Method 1
A propulsion device is operably coupled to the body
Implementation Method 2
A first flight control surface is supported by the body and is configured to control pitch of the vehicle. A second flight control surface is supported by the body and is configured to control yaw of the vehicle.
Implementation Method 3
The acquisition sensor includes a receiver directed downwardly from the body and is configured to identify a target
Implementation Method 4
The trigger sensor includes a receiver configured to detect proximity to a target
Data Source
AI summary
An unmanned aerial vehicle including a controller operating in a search mode of operation where a receiver of an acquisition sensor searches for a target and causes flight control surfaces to guide the vehicle in a downward spiral path, a terminal mode of operation where the acquisition sensor detects a target and causes flight control surfaces to direct the vehicle toward the target, and an activation mode of operation where a trigger sensor detects a target within a predetermined distance to the vehicle and the controller activates a responder.