Compact Manipulator Stowing Within UGV Track Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current unmanned ground robots require time-consuming assembly and coordination for missions, as manipulator payloads must be separately carried and assembled onto the robot chassis, limiting rapid deployment and increasing the risk of damage during transport.
Innovation Solution
The design of an unmanned ground vehicle with a manipulator arm that can be stowed entirely within the geometric volume of the drive track assemblies, allowing for compact storage and rapid deployment, and protected from damage during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the manipulator is carried separately and assembled onto the robot chassis, then the robot can be modular and adaptable, but the preparation time increases and coordination is required
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulator is integrated into the robot chassis by stowing it within the geometric volume of the drive track assemblies, merging previously separate components into a unified system that eliminates assembly requirements while maintaining modular adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The manipulator is nested within the drive track assemblies when in the stowed position, with the manipulator arm contained entirely within the geometric volume of the track assemblies, allowing compact integration without increasing external dimensions
2Length of moving object
If the manipulator is carried separately, then the robot can be compact for transport, but the manipulator is vulnerable to damage during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulator is merged with the robot chassis structure by positioning it within the drive track assemblies, providing inherent structural protection during transport while maintaining compact dimensions suitable for standard backpacks
Solution Approach 2:
The manipulator is positioned within the protective enclosure of the drive track assemblies before transport, providing beforehand protection against damage during handling and transportation without requiring additional cushioning measures
3Ease of operation
If the manipulator is stowed within the drive track assemblies, then the robot can be carried by one person, but the geometric volume available for stowing is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulator is nested within the existing geometric volume of the drive track assemblies, utilizing the space already allocated for the drive system without requiring additional volume, enabling single-person portability while maintaining full manipulator functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The manipulator is configured to stow in a folded position that utilizes three-dimensional space efficiently within the drive track assembly volume, transitioning from an extended configuration to a compact folded state that fits within the available geometric envelope
Data Source
AI summary
Unmanned ground vehicles configured for compact manipulator stowing are disclosed. In some examples, an unmanned ground vehicle includes a main body and a drive system supported by the main body. The drive system includes right and left driven track assemblies mounted on right and left sides of the main body. A manipulator arm is pivotally coupled to the main body and configured to extend from a stowed position to an extended position, and the manipulator arm in the stowed position is contained entirely within a geometric volume of the right and left driven track assemblies.