Autonomous Mobile Mechanism for Secure Item Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current autonomous and semi-autonomous devices, such as vehicles and robots, face challenges in safely and accurately performing tasks in various environments due to complexity and sophistication requirements, limiting their adoption in military, law enforcement, and commercial settings, particularly in securely transporting and managing items.
Innovation Solution
A semi-autonomous electro-mechanical mobile mechanism equipped with sensors, security systems, and manipulators that can securely hold and transport items, control access, and perform tasks like assisting patients with daily activities, using a combination of electronics and mechanical devices for autonomous operation and secure item management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If autonomous or semi-autonomous devices are used to transport items, then operational effectiveness and safety are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional modules: item receiving mechanism, secure holding mechanism, transport mechanism, and access control mechanism. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently for its specific function while reducing overall system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to perform multiple functions: receiving items from various sources, securely holding them during transport, providing controlled access to authorized users, and navigating to different locations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate devices, thereby managing complexity while enhancing reliability.
2Reliability
If secure holding mechanisms are implemented to prevent unauthorized access, then item security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
An access control system acts as an intermediary between the secure holding mechanism and authorized users. This intermediary layer manages security credentials and controls access without requiring complex integration into the core holding mechanism, thereby maintaining security while managing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The secure holding mechanism is designed to automatically secure items upon receipt and automatically manage access for authorized users through integrated authentication protocols. This self-service capability reduces the need for manual security management and simplifies the overall security system architecture.
3Extent of automation
If autonomous operation capabilities are added, then operational independence is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates autonomous navigation and operation capabilities that allow it to independently receive items, secure them, transport them to designated locations, and manage access without continuous human intervention. This self-service automation reduces operational complexity by consolidating control functions into a unified autonomous system.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method are provided, the method including providing a device capable of at least semi-autonomous operation and enabling the device to autonomously gather at least one item and secure that item against unauthorized access while providing selective authorized access to the item while the item is in possession of the device.