Adaptive Platform for Unmanned Defense Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned defense vehicles, specifically CIED robots, face challenges in adapting to evolving IED threats due to their fixed design requirements, leading to costly and time-consuming redesign processes when new threats emerge, which complicates operations and puts lives at risk.
Innovation Solution
A modular adaptive platform for CIED robots that allows for the addition of new devices in a plug-and-play manner, utilizing a computing device with unused processing capacity and storage, power sources, and data ports, enabling the integration of various payload devices and chassis types, facilitating continuous evolution and adaptation to changing threats without full system redesign.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the CIED robot design is fixed based on predefined requirements, then the initial design is complete and functional, but the system cannot adapt to new evolving IED threats without costly and time-consuming redesign
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components: a base platform and interchangeable payload modules. Each payload module is a self-contained unit that can be independently designed, tested, and swapped. This segmentation allows the core platform to remain while only specific functional modules need to be changed to address new threats, dramatically reducing redesign time and resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The base platform is designed with universal interfaces and standardized mounting systems that can accommodate multiple different payload types. The platform provides common functions (locomotion, power, control, navigation) that serve all mission types, while specific threat-response capabilities are provided by interchangeable payloads. This multi-functionality enables rapid adaptation to new threats without redesigning the entire system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the CIED robot is sent back to the home country for redesign when new threats are detected, then the robot can be updated with new capabilities, but operational complexity increases and lives are put at risk
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple payload modules are pre-designed and pre-tested before deployment. When a new threat is detected, the appropriate pre-prepared module can be immediately swapped into the platform without requiring return to the home country for redesign. This preliminary preparation of modular components eliminates the need for complex remote redesign operations and maintains operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of redesigning the entire system, only the specific payload module needs to be copied or replicated. Once a successful payload design is developed, additional identical modules can be quickly manufactured and deployed to multiple platforms, simplifying the adaptation process and enabling rapid scaling of capabilities without increasing operational complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the entire CIED robot system is redesigned to add new functions like a rocket launcher, then the robot can perform new tasks, but the redesign process is expensive and impractical for field operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the expensive, complex base platform from the specialized functional payloads. When new capabilities like rocket launchers are needed, only the payload portion requires manufacturing, not the entire vehicle. This segmentation dramatically reduces manufacturing costs and complexity compared to redesigning the complete system.
Solution Approach 2:
The payload module merges all necessary components for a specific function (power, control, actuation, and the functional element itself) into a single integrated unit that attaches to the existing platform. This consolidation allows new capabilities to be added as complete, self-contained modules rather than requiring integration across the entire vehicle system, making the addition of new functions more cost-effective and practical.
Data Source
AI summary
A kit for building an adaptive unmanned CIED vehicle comprising a vehicle chassis having a locomotion system for moving the vehicle in an operating environment, and a controllable steering mechanism for steering the vehicle as it moves in the operating environment; one or more motors for coupling to the locomotion system to the controllable steering mechanism; a remote control unit for communication with and for controlling the one or more motors and the controllable steering mechanism; payload devices for performing tasks attributed to the vehicle; and a platform for providing the capability of adapting the vehicle to perform new tasks in view of evolution in the operating environment, the platform comprising: a casing for mounting on or in the vehicle chassis; a computing device for connection to a selection of payload devices from the payload devices, and a memory for storing computing instructions for controlling operation of the selection of payload devices; a power source for powering at least one of the payload devices; power ports connected to the power source; and data ports connected to the computing device for connecting at least one of the payload devices to the computing device; wherein the computing device, the power source, the power ports and the data ports are mounted to the casing and wherein the payload devices and the one or more motors are for mounting to either the vehicle chassis or the casing. The payload devices are plug and play devices and are connected to the platform using standardized military connectors.