RIAS Damping Technology Improves COO and Efficiency for UAVs

(September 30, 2009) -- Australian technology Company RIAS Technologies has applied its revolutionary RIASORB(r) technology to simplify and improve the cost of ownership of landing gear systems for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV's).

After finding a successful way of utilising the rheopectic characteristics of elastomers in torsion to provide a unique new, non linear damping system , the RIAS team first turned their attention to applying it in an innovative cross between BMX and surfing; The Streetsurfer(r).

Now the team has focused on providing a simple solution to complex mechanical systems often employed in UAV technology. UAV's have traditionally been designed by aeronautical engineers used to dealing which much larger platforms.

Traditional landing gear damping systems employ hydraulic cylinders to dampen the impact of the aircraft hitting the landing field and reducing damage to their cargo. These systems can be expensive and difficult to maintain and overhaul, often suffering from seal failure and leakage which affects damping performance.

RIASORB(r) Suspension Technology combines simplicity and efficiency to significantly improve the suspension characteristics of all these applications.

The concept applies rotational shear on specially formulated elastomers incorporated in a patented bushing design to deliver a tailored, active and controlled reaction in direct proportion to the speed and force of any impact.

Where traditional suspension operates a dual system, using a spring to resist force allowing greater time of impact, and a shock mechanism to control the return, the naturally damped qualities of elastomers in the patented RIASORB(r) design can operate in isolation (incorporating both functions) or work with traditional suspension to greatly enhance performance.

Central to the success of RIASORB(r) technology is the zero to limited torque angles around which a material shears (the basis of the primary patent).

Three elements critical to this disruptive technology are:
-- The patented limited torque angle design.
-- An intimate knowledge of elastomers; designing formulations to exploit characteristics of abrasion resistance, elongation, optical clarity, moisture and chemical resistance, tensile and rebound control and material hardness.
-- The process of bonding the material to the inner core and outer housing, which determines controlled failure in an overload situation-reducing or eliminating the likelihood of catastrophic failure.

Extensive research has established an elastomer as the ideal material for the process due to its natural damping qualities. Varying the elastomer formulations provide characteristics of abrasion resistance, elongation, optical clarity, moisture and chemical resistance, tensile and rebound control and the wide range of hardness profiles allow significant versatility of application.

The company is currently completing application testing with an Australian based UAV provider and is seeking partners throughout the world to exploit their design.

Unlike a traditional system the RIASORB(r) technology has a non- linear reaction to the damping force, resisting impact more as more load is applied. This means that it does not "bottom out" like a linear damper actuator and therefore reduces the likelihood of the full impact of a bad landing being transmitted to the delicate on board instrumentation.

The benefits of the system include:
-- Vastly improved steering and suspension
-- Low/no maintenance
-- Extended lifetime (reduced fatigue)
-- Compact and light weight
-- Easily integrated into existing equipment

The recipient of numerous international awards, RIAS Technologies is building momentum as a global provider of superior suspension and impact absorption solutions. The company is also working on a number of other military applications as well as suspension castors and rail damping systems.

Source : RIAS Technologies