Customizable Pallet Assembly with Modular Bushings and Utility Panels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing pallet assemblies for NASA's space technologies require frequent on-site modifications and customization to meet unique integration requirements of various space vehicles, leading to costly and time-consuming processes.
Innovation Solution
A pallet assembly with customizable integration options, including bushings of varying sizes and apertures, a utility panel assembly with fluid, gas, and electrical connectors, and tooling features that allow for secure attachment to transport carts and rotation, enabling flexible integration and transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the pallet assembly is customized on site to meet unique integration requirements of each space vehicle, then the adaptability to different space vehicles is improved, but the manufacturing cost and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet assembly is divided into modular components including interchangeable end structures, utility panels, and tooling features that can be selectively assembled. This segmentation allows different configurations to be quickly assembled without extensive on-site customization, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The pallet assembly incorporates universal interfaces and standardized mounting features that enable the same base structure to accommodate multiple space vehicle types. The interchangeable end structures provide multi-functionality, allowing the pallet to adapt to different integration requirements while maintaining a consistent core design, thereby reducing on-site modification time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pallet assembly is customized on site to meet unique integration requirements of each space vehicle, then the adaptability to different space vehicles is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the pallet into standardized modules with interchangeable components, the manufacturing process becomes more efficient. Each module can be manufactured independently using standardized procedures, reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining adaptability through selective assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for parameter changes in the interchangeable end structures and utility panels to accommodate different space vehicle requirements. This approach enables adaptability through configuration changes rather than complete redesign, significantly reducing manufacturing costs for customized applications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the bushing has a larger bore size to accommodate various connectors, then the versatility of integration options is improved, but the structural precision and alignment accuracy decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing is designed with a segmented structure featuring an outer bore for connector insertion and an inner alignment feature. This segmentation allows the outer bore to be larger for versatility while the inner alignment feature maintains precise positioning, resolving the contradiction between versatility and alignment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The bushing acts as an intermediary component between the pallet structure and various connectors. Its design includes a larger outer bore that accommodates different connector sizes while incorporating precision alignment features that ensure accurate positioning, thereby maintaining both versatility and manufacturing precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A pallet assembly is provided and includes one of a bushing, a utility panel assembly and tooling features. The bushing is securably insertable into bushing openings defined in bottom and top pallet assembly panels and pallet assembly sidewalls. The bushing is selected from a group including multiple bushings having bores of various sizes and one or more apertures of varying sizes that are communicative with the bores. The utility panel assembly is supportively disposable on the bottom pallet assembly panel and includes a utility panel having multiple connectors. The tooling features supportively connect the pallet assembly sidewalls to a transport cart.