Vehicle-Mounted UAV Launch Box for Protected Remote Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for launching and controlling unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from vehicles pose risks to personnel and limit situational awareness, as they require operators to exit the vehicle to interact with the UAV or launch device, compromising safety and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle launch system comprising a launch box mounted on the exterior of a vehicle, communicably coupled with an operator terminal, allows safe and remote operation of UAVs from within the vehicle, featuring a cassette system for storing and launching UAVs, with actuation mechanisms for moving UAVs from storage to launch positions, and communication links for control and data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If operators exit the vehicle to interact with the UAV or launch device, then ease of operation is improved, but personnel safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an operator terminal as an intermediary device that enables remote interaction with the UAV and launch device. The terminal is positioned inside the vehicle and communicates wirelessly with the launch device, allowing operators to control UAV launch and operation without physically exposing themselves to external hazards. This mediator resolves the contradiction by decoupling the operator's physical location from the operational interface.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If operators remain inside the vehicle, then personnel safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical interaction system (physical buttons, switches, and direct contact interfaces) with an electronic communication system. The operator terminal uses wireless communication protocols to transmit control signals to the launch device and receive telemetry data, substituting the need for physical presence at the launch device while maintaining full operational capability.
3Ease of operation
If UAVs are stored outside the vehicle, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to environmental exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested storage configuration where the UAV is placed inside a protective cassette, which in turn is stored within a launch box mounted on the vehicle. This multi-layer nesting structure provides environmental protection (weather, dust, tampering) while keeping the UAV readily accessible for launch. The nested design resolves the contradiction by maintaining both protection and operational readiness.
Data Source
AI summary
In various embodiments, specialized vehicle launch systems and methods are provided to enable personnel to launch and operate one or more UAVs from the safety of a vehicle or other mobile location. In various embodiments, a launch system comprises a launch device and an operator terminal. The launch device is adapted to be mounted on an exterior surface of a vehicle and is communicably coupled to the operator terminal, which is operable from the interior of the vehicle. The vehicle launch system allows an operator to control one or more UAVs from inside the vehicle, without requiring the operator to step outside of the vehicle to interact with the UAV or launch device.