UAV Ground Support Fixtures for Wing Panel Assembly and Rough Transport

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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 pose risks of unintentional takeoff due to their lightweight design and large size.

Innovation Solution

A ground support system comprising handling fixtures and dollies that facilitate safe transportation and assembly of UAV components, including 360-degree rotation, height adjustment, and secure attachment to prevent unintended flight, along with towing mechanisms to manage uneven terrain and high winds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If the UAV is designed to be lightweight for sustained flight, then flight endurance is improved, but vulnerability to damage during transportation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflight enduranceVSAvoiddamage resistance during transportation

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The UAV is divided into multiple detachable wing panels that can be separated for transportation. This segmentation allows the lightweight structure to be broken down into manageable sections that are less vulnerable to damage during handling and transport, while maintaining the lightweight design for flight endurance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates protective fixtures and support structures designed to cushion and protect the UAV components during transportation before any damage can occur. These fixtures are specifically designed to accommodate the lightweight panels and provide enhanced protection during ground handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Length of moving object

If the UAV has large wingspan for high altitude flight, then flight performance is improved, but difficulty in transportation and assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovewingspanVSAvoidtransportation and assembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The large wingspan is achieved through multiple detachable wing panels that can be transported separately and assembled on-site. This segmentation enables the UAV to have a large wingspan for high altitude flight performance while significantly reducing transportation and assembly difficulties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces specialized handling fixtures and support structures as intermediaries to facilitate the transportation and assembly of the large wingspan components. These fixtures act as mediators between the large wing panels and standard transportation equipment, making handling easier.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the UAV is transported over uneven terrain, then access to remote locations is improved, but risk of damage and unintentional takeoff increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to remote locationsVSAvoidsafety during transportation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The handling fixtures and support structures are designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities to adapt to uneven terrain conditions. This allows the system to maintain stability and proper alignment of the lightweight wing panels while being transported over rough ground, preventing both damage and unintentional takeoff.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates safety features and restraint mechanisms that prevent unintentional takeoff before it can occur. These mechanisms are specifically designed to counteract the risk of accidental lift-off during transportation over uneven terrain, while still allowing access to remote locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

4Adaptability or versatility

If the UAV components are assembled on-site for extended operations, then operational flexibility is improved, but assembly time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The UAV is designed with segmented, modular wing panels that can be assembled on-site. This segmentation provides operational flexibility for extended missions while the modular design with standardized interfaces minimizes assembly time and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wing panels and components are pre-configured and pre-positioned in their fixtures before final assembly. This preliminary action reduces the complexity and time required for on-site assembly, enabling quick setup for extended operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12479600B2Ground support equipment for a high altitude long endurance aircraft

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 AEROVIRONMENT INC

AI summary

Systems, devices, and methods for a ground support system for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) including: at least one handling fixture, where each handling fixture is configured to support at least one wing panel of the UAV; and at least one dolly, where each dolly is configured to receive at least one landing pod 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 further allows for transportation of the UAV over uneven terrain.