Autonomous Vehicle Trailer Deployment System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current aerial surveillance and reconnaissance systems, including satellites and unmanned aerial vehicles, are costly and have limitations such as short operational times and high operational costs, making them unsuitable for widespread use in intelligence operations.
Innovation Solution
A trailer system for autonomous vehicles that includes a command and control interface, winch, communication system, sensors, and power distribution, allowing for remote deployment and undeployment of autonomous vehicles, along with a cradle and cocoon for protection, enabling extended surveillance without the need for continuous human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If satellites are used for aerial surveillance, then high resolution monitoring capability is achieved, but manufacturing and operational costs become very high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs autonomous vehicles that are significantly cheaper than satellites, accepting that they have shorter operational lifetimes but can be replaced more economically. This principle directly addresses the cost contradiction by substituting expensive long-lived satellites with inexpensive short-lived autonomous vehicles for surveillance missions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple autonomous vehicles that can be deployed in coordination to replicate surveillance capabilities. Rather than relying on a single expensive satellite, multiple cheaper autonomous vehicles work together to achieve the same monitoring objectives, reducing overall system cost while maintaining capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manned or unmanned aerial vehicles are used for reconnaissance, then operational flexibility is improved, but operational costs become high and prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous vehicles perform reconnaissance missions independently without requiring human pilots or extensive ground support infrastructure. The vehicles self-navigate, self-monitor, and self-report, eliminating the need for expensive manned operations and reducing operational costs while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical control systems with automated electronic control and navigation systems. This substitution eliminates the need for human operators and associated support structures, dramatically reducing operational costs while preserving or enhancing operational flexibility through programmable mission parameters.
3Duration of action of moving object
If autonomous vehicles are deployed for prolonged surveillance, then operational time is extended, but vehicle safety and recovery become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous vehicles incorporate continuous feedback systems that monitor their own status, environmental conditions, and mission progress. This real-time feedback enables the vehicles to detect potential safety issues early, adjust their operations accordingly, and automatically return to base when conditions warrant, thereby extending safe operational time while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary safety checks and condition assessments before deploying autonomous vehicles on extended missions. Additionally, recovery protocols and procedures are pre-established and automatically executed when predetermined conditions are met, ensuring vehicle safety and enabling reliable recovery after prolonged surveillance operations.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed embodiments include a trailer for an autonomous vehicle controlled by a command and control interface. The trailer includes a trailer body configured to retain the autonomous vehicle in an undeployed configuration. The trailer also anchors the autonomous vehicle in a deployed configuration. A tether is provided having a first end coupled to the trailer body and a second end that is configured to couple to the autonomous vehicle. A winch is utilized to adjust a length of the tether to move the autonomous vehicle between the undeployed configuration and deployed configuration. Further, a communication system communicates with the command and control interface and the autonomous vehicle to control movement of the autonomous vehicle between the undeployed configuration and deployed configuration.