Vacuum Payload Mounting for Rapid Combat Drone Rearming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing missiles and other payloads to combat drones are time-consuming, require specialized training, involve undesirable radar reflections, and necessitate returning to a base station for rearming, which is inefficient and costly in terms of time and fuel.
Innovation Solution
A payload attachment system using vacuum mounting modules with vacuum pumps, microcontrollers, and transceivers to securely attach payloads to a drone's wing or fuselage without pylons, allowing for quick rearming and compatibility across different payloads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mechanical connector means are used to secure payloads to combat drones, then secure attachment is achieved, but the system requires specialized training, is time-consuming, and has limited compatibility across different payload types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical connector systems with a vacuum-based attachment system. Instead of using complex mechanical connectors that require specialized training and have limited compatibility, the system uses vacuum pumps to create suction cups that can attach to various payload surfaces. This substitution simplifies the attachment process while maintaining secure connection, allowing untrained personnel to quickly attach different payload types without compatibility issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum mounting system provides universal compatibility across different payload types. The vacuum cups can attach to any payload with a suitable surface, eliminating the need for payload-specific mechanical connectors. This multi-functional approach allows the same attachment system to handle missiles, surveillance equipment, and other ordinance interchangeably, greatly improving ease of operation and versatility.
2Reliability
If payloads are secured at a remotely located base station using traditional methods, then secure attachment is achieved, but significant time and fuel are required for returning to base for rearming
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum-based attachment system enables quick and secure payload changes in the field. The simple vacuum cup mechanism can be rapidly attached and detached without requiring the drone to return to a remote base station. This reduces rearming time significantly while maintaining attachment security through the vacuum hold force.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum mounting system is designed to be self-contained and easy to operate, allowing the drone operator to perform payload changes independently in the field without requiring specialized ground crew or base station facilities. The system serves itself by using the drone's existing power and control systems to operate the vacuum pumps.
3Strength
If traditional mechanical connectors and pylons are used to secure payloads, then structural support is provided, but undesirable radar reflections are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical pylons and connectors with a vacuum-based attachment system. The vacuum cups can be positioned directly against the payload surface without requiring external support structures. This eliminates the radar-reflective pylons while maintaining adequate structural support through the suction force, especially when combined with the drone's existing payload bay structure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple payload types with different connector means are used, then mission versatility is achieved, but compatibility issues arise requiring precise matching of connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum mounting system provides a universal attachment interface that works with all payload types. Instead of having multiple specialized connectors for different payload types, the system uses a single vacuum cup design that can attach to any payload with a suitable surface. This greatly simplifies the system while maintaining the ability to carry diverse payloads for different missions.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing the complex mechanical connector system with a vacuum-based system, the patent eliminates compatibility issues between different payload types. The vacuum cups provide a standardized attachment method that works universally, removing the need to match specific connectors to specific payloads.
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
The system enables rapid and reliable attachment of payloads, reduces radar reflections, eliminates the need for pylons, and allows in-field rearming, enhancing operational efficiency and payload capacity.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum pump controllably coupled to a microcontroller, a vacuum cup fluidly coupled to the at least one vacuum pump
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a payload attachment system secure a missile, a suicide drone, or other ordinance to a wing or fuselage of a combat drone (or another type of aircraft) using one or more vacuum mounting modules, wherein each vacuum mounting module comprises at least one vacuum pump controllably coupled to a microcontroller, a vacuum cup fluidly coupled to the at least one vacuum pump, and a transceiver that receives an instruction corresponding to one of a vacuum cup actuation signal or a vacuum cup release signal.