Vehicle-Mounted UAV Launch Cradle for Protected Remote Deployment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems lack the capability to safely launch and control unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from within a vehicle, posing risks to personnel and limiting situational awareness.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle launch system comprising a launch device mounted on the exterior of a vehicle and an operator terminal for control from within the vehicle, allowing for the storage, charging, and remote launching of UAVs without exposing personnel to risk.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If personnel manually launch and control UAVs outside the vehicle, then operational control and situational awareness are improved, but personnel safety deteriorates due to exposure to external risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepersonnel safetyVSAvoidUAV launch and control operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an automated launch system as an intermediary between the operator inside the vehicle and the UAV. The system includes a launch mechanism with a cradle, release arms, and actuator that automatically launch the UAV when commanded, eliminating the need for personnel to physically interact with the UAV outside the vehicle. The operator terminal inside the vehicle serves as another intermediary, allowing remote control and monitoring of the UAV's flight path and status.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated electromechanical system. The actuator (electromechanical component) automatically positions the cradle and releases the UAV through controlled mechanical motion, substituting for manual handling. The system uses electrical signals and automated control logic to replace the need for personnel to physically manipulate the UAV, thereby improving safety while maintaining operational capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If personnel remain inside the vehicle for protection, then safety is improved, but situational awareness and ability to investigate areas of interest deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepersonnel safetyVSAvoidsituational awareness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the UAV as a remote sensing platform that captures visual and environmental information from areas of interest and transmits this data back to the operator inside the vehicle. The operator terminal displays real-time video feeds, sensor data, and flight information, creating a virtual representation of the external environment. This allows personnel to maintain situational awareness and investigate areas of interest without physically exposing themselves to external risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If a launch system is integrated on the vehicle exterior, then operational capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemobile UAV launch capabilityVSAvoidlaunch system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the launch system with multi-functional components that serve multiple purposes. The cradle not only holds the UAV during storage but also positions it for launch and serves as a recovery point for landing. The release arms function both as mechanical constraints during storage and as launch mechanisms. The actuator provides both positioning and release functions. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed and simplifies the system architecture while maintaining mobile launch capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines several functions into integrated components. The launch mechanism merges storage, positioning, and launch functions into a single automated system. The operator terminal integrates control, monitoring, and communication functions into one interface inside the vehicle. The cradle structure combines support, constraint, and release functions. This merging of functions reduces system complexity by eliminating separate components for each function and creating streamlined integrated systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12269592B2Device for storing and remotely launching unmanned aerial vehicles

Publication Date: 2025.04.08 FLIR UNMANNED AERIAL SYST AS

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.