UAV Ground Handling Fixtures for Uneven-Terrain Wing Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), particularly high altitude long endurance aircraft, face challenges during transportation over uneven surfaces that can potentially damage the aircraft, and require safe handling and assembly at take-off sites with minimal crew intervention.
Innovation Solution
A ground support system comprising handling fixtures and dollies with adjustable height and 360-degree rotation, winches, and wind fences to secure and stabilize UAV components during transport and assembly, preventing unintended flight and facilitating safe towing over uneven terrain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the UAV is transported over uneven surfaces, then transportation flexibility is improved, but the risk of damage to the aircraft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV is divided into separable components (wing panels, fuselage, landing pods) that can be independently handled and secured. The wing panels are further segmented into multiple sections that can be transported separately and assembled at the destination, reducing the risk of damage during transportation over uneven surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements protective measures before transportation, including securing mechanisms that prevent movement and damage during transport. The handling fixtures and dolly systems are designed to cushion and protect the UAV components from shocks and vibrations that occur when traveling over uneven terrain.
2Productivity
If the UAV is assembled and handled at take-off sites with minimal crew intervention, then operational efficiency is improved, but the complexity of handling systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV system incorporates self-servicing capabilities through automated handling fixtures and dolly systems that can position and secure components with minimal human intervention. The winch systems and height-adjustable mechanisms are designed to operate autonomously or with remote control, reducing the need for extensive crew involvement during assembly and handling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The handling fixtures and dolly systems are designed as multi-functional devices that can perform multiple operations (transportation, positioning, securing, assembly) with a single integrated system. This universality reduces the overall complexity by eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices for different handling tasks.
3Reliability
If the UAV is secured to prevent unintended flight during towing, then safety is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The securing system incorporates dynamic elements such as height-adjustable handling fixtures and movable dolly components that can adapt to different operational states. During towing, the system automatically engages securing mechanisms to prevent unintended flight, while during assembly operations, these same mechanisms can be easily adjusted or disengaged to facilitate manual handling and positioning.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods for a ground support system (100) for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) including: at least one handling fixture (130), where each handling fixture (103) is configured to support at least one wing panel (107) of the UAV (101); and at least one dolly (150), where each dolly is configured to receive at least one landing pod (113) of the UAV, and where each landing pod supports at least one wing panel of the UAV; where the at least one handling fixture and the at least one dolly are configured to move and rotate two or more wing panels to align the two or more wing panels with each other for assembly of the UAV; and where the at least one dolly (150) further allows for transportation of the UAV (101) over uneven terrain.