US 11,628,952 B1Granted

Constant torque UAV device, method and system

OwnerConrad Herold Wrightinventor

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Abstract

The disclosed invention comprises a spring-based launch device, and method of using the device within a system for launching an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) using constant torque springs to pull a carriage to accelerate a UAV to the necessary launch speed. A torque frame holds multiple constant torque springs attached to an adjustable power system, enabling a selectable number of springs to connect to a spool. The adjustable power system enables the launch speed of the UAV to vary based on its launch requirements. The spool is used to move a carriage at constant acceleration. The carriage holds the UAV and is pulled along rails until it hits a stop spring system, which stops the carriage, causing the aircraft to be launched off the carriage. Re-tensioning of the system occurs through a retraction mechanism which pulls the carriage back to a spring box, where it is positioned in tensioned configuration.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A UAV launch device comprising:

A. One or more modular rail sections that function separately or may be continuously joined with other modular rail sections;
said modular rail sections further comprise:
a front end and a back end;
one or more detachably connected support components, including a support truss and one or more support legs;
and one or more launch rails detachably connected to the one or more detachably connected support components;
and a latch system capable of continuously joining one or more modular rail sections with other modular rail sections;
B. a power variance system with an adjustable power aspect including one or more spool assemblies that can be engaged and disengaged with an output spool by connecting it with one or more cables releasably connected to said output spool;
C. a retraction system further comprising:
a retraction winch mounted to the rearmost modular rail section, which functions in association with the power variance system;
and one or more output spools associated with and capable of pulling, winding, unwinding and positioning one or more cables;
D. One or more cables, each with a first end and a second end, wherein the one or more cables are releasably attached at the first end to the retraction winch and the second end is releasably attached to a rail-mounted carriage;
and wherein the first end of the one or more cables is releasably attached to said rail mounted carriage and the second end is releasably attached to an output spool;
E. a rail-mounted carriage connected to the retraction system by the cable;
F. A reusable stop spring system releasably connected with the frontmost rail section;
and
G. A torque frame releasably connected with one or more constant torque springs.

13 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.