Anduril Industries has filed a patent for a rolling release launching system that protects and reduces drag on drones or other payloads. The system includes a launcher with a rotating door that opens to expose the payload, generating angular momentum to launch it. GlobalData’s report on Anduril Industries gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Anduril Industries, UAV propulsion systems was a key innovation area identified from patents. Anduril Industries's grant share as of September 2023 was 27%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
A rolling release launching system for drones or payloads
A recently filed patent (Publication Number: US20230278707A1) describes a configurable payload deployment system. The system includes a launcher and a rotating door that encloses the interior of the launcher. The rotating door can transition between a closed arrangement and an open arrangement. In the closed arrangement, it secures the interior of the launcher, while in the open arrangement, it exposes the interior.
One of the key features of the system is that the rotating door generates angular momentum as it transitions from the closed arrangement to the open arrangement. This generated angular momentum is then transferred to enable a rolling release of a configurable payload. The rolling release prevents expandable components of the payload, such as wing sections or stabilizers, from contacting the launcher. After the release, the rotating door returns to the closed arrangement.
The system also includes a nose cone at the forward end of the launcher to reduce drag. The rotating door is controlled by a drive mechanism on the launcher, which assists in generating the angular momentum. Importantly, the rotation of the door does not interfere with the rolling release of the payload.
The configurable payload can include various objects such as drones, sensors, buoys, munitions, devices, or any object suitable for deployment from within the launcher. The payload detachably connects to the rotating door, which prevents damage to the payload when the door is in the closed arrangement. The detachable connection also assists with the rolling release. Additionally, the detachable connection causes the payload to be in a different orientation within the launcher when the rotating door is in the closed arrangement compared to the open arrangement. This ensures the payload is securely held in the launcher when the door is closed.
Overall, this configurable payload deployment system offers a mechanism for controlled and efficient deployment of various payloads from a launcher. The rolling release and detachable connection features prevent damage to the payload and ensure a smooth transition from the closed to the open arrangement of the rotating door. The system also includes a nose cone to reduce drag, enhancing its overall performance.
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GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.
GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
