Deployable Clasp Assembly With Guided Magnetic Recovery Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current recovery systems for objects, such as wounded soldiers, require substantial training and skill to maneuver and secure recovery hooks, posing risks to recovery crews and being susceptible to getting stuck in challenging environments, and there is a need for an efficient, reliable, and automatically operated clasping system for safe recovery and deployment.
Innovation Solution
A deployable clasping system that includes a cable deployable from a transit vehicle, a clasp assembly with a propulsion sub-system, and a guidance device, which automatically maneuvers and securely clamps onto an object using couplers and magnetic hitching, allowing for safe and efficient recovery and deployment without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a recovery crew manually maneuvers a hook to secure it to an object, then the hook can be secured to the object, but the recovery crew is at risk and requires substantial training and skill
Solution Approach 1:
The clasp assembly is equipped with a propulsion sub-system that enables it to autonomously navigate to the target object and secure itself without human intervention. The system self-deploys from the aircraft, self-navigates using the propulsion sub-system, and self-secures to the target, eliminating the need for trained recovery crews to manually maneuver hooks in dangerous environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation of hook maneuvering with an automated system combining propulsion sub-systems (such as compressed gas vessels, pressurized liquids, or rocket thrusters) and magnetic coupling mechanisms. This substitution transforms a skill-intensive manual task into an automated mechanical process that reduces human risk and training requirements
2Length of stationary object
If a recovery hook is deployed from a helicopter, then the hook can reach the target, but it may get stuck in jungle canopies, canyon crevices, urban alleyways, and challenging environments
Solution Approach 1:
The clasp assembly incorporates a propulsion sub-system that provides dynamic movement capabilities, allowing it to actively navigate through challenging environments rather than passively being deployed. The system can adjust its trajectory, push through obstacles like jungle canopies, and maneuver into position reliably, transforming a static deployment approach into a dynamic navigation system
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary between the clasp assembly and the target object. The magnetic hitch provides a reliable connection interface that can engage with magnetic portions of target structures, ensuring secure attachment even in challenging environments where manual hooking would be difficult or unreliable
3Ease of operation
If an automated clasping system with propulsion sub-system is used, then human risk is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct functional modules: a clasp assembly, a propulsion sub-system, a magnetic coupling mechanism, and a cable deployment system. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently managed, which reduces the operational complexity despite the overall automation. The segmentation allows for easier control and troubleshooting of the automated system
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables safe and efficient recovery of objects by automatically maneuvering and securing the clasp assembly to the object, reducing risk to recovery crews and improving deployment reliability in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic hitch is positioned on a distal end of the clasp core. The magnetic hitch is configured to magnetically couple to a magnetic portion of a target structure coupled to the object.
Data Source
AI summary
A deployable clasping system is configured to be deployed from a component and securely clasp and release an object. The deployable clasping system includes a cable that is deployable from the transit vehicle. A clasp assembly is coupled to the cable. The clasp assembly is configured to securely clasp the object. A propulsion sub-system is coupled to one or both of the cable and the clasp assembly. The propulsion sub-system is configured to maneuver the clasp assembly to the object.