UAV Launch via Surface Vehicle Towing and Nose-Down Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UAV launch methods require the UAV to use its own energy source for take-off, necessitate bulky guide systems, and pose risks due to bungee cord releases, while also being costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus where a UAV is supported on a land or water-based surface vehicle, towed to take-off speed using a towline, with the surface vehicle absorbing the tension and allowing the UAV to launch without its own propulsion system, using a nose-down position to control lift and reduce impact, and employing resilient sections in the towline for smoother acceleration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the UAV uses its own energy source to propel itself to take-off speed, then the UAV can achieve independent launch capability, but the energy source is consumed and flight time is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A surface vehicle acts as an intermediary to provide the towing function. The surface vehicle pulls the UAV along the ground to take-off speed, eliminating the need for the UAV to consume its own energy source for propulsion during take-off. This mediator approach transfers the propulsion function from the UAV to an external vehicle.
2Ease of operation
If a catapult or rail guided system is used to launch the UAV, then the UAV can be launched directly into the air, but bulky guide systems and heavy reinforcement are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the guiding function from a complex catapult or rail system and integrates it into the surface vehicle's structure. The surface vehicle's body and wheels provide the guiding function, eliminating the need for separate bulky guide systems while maintaining the ability to launch the UAV directly into the air.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the guiding function with the surface vehicle's structural components. The surface vehicle's body, wheels, and support structures work together to guide and launch the UAV, combining multiple functions (support, guide, propel) into a single integrated system rather than using separate specialized components.
3Speed
If a bungee cord is used to tow the UAV, then the UAV can be accelerated to take-off speed, but the system is costly and poses risks due to bungee cord releases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive and risky bungee cords with a simple towline system. The towline is coupled to the surface vehicle and can be easily detached after use, eliminating the need for expensive reinforcement and reducing the risk of unexpected releases. The simple towline design is both reliable and cost-effective.
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 approach conserves the UAV's energy, reduces system costs by 10-13%, eliminates the need for heavy landing gear, and provides stable and repeatable launch conditions, extending flight time and reducing risks associated with bungee cord releases.
Implementation Method 1
The towline may comprise a resilient section to smooth the acceleration of the surface vehicle
Implementation Method 2
The unmanned air vehicle may be supported on the surface vehicle in a nose down position such that the motion, in a forward direction, of the unmanned air vehicle with the surface vehicle is with the nose down
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for launch of unmanned air vehicles is disclosed. The method of launching an unmanned air vehicle (UAV), comprises: supporting the unmanned air vehicle on a surface vehicle, such as a dolly cart (50), for riding along the ground or across water; connecting a towline to the surface vehicle; and pulling the towline to force the unmanned air vehicle in a forward direction at a speed sufficient for take-off. The towline may be pulled by a winch system. In embodiments the UAV is positioned with a nose down angle on the surface vehicle. The nose down angle permits overspeed of the UAV and cart as it is pulled along the ground, as well as controlled take-off.