Deployable Clasp Assembly With Propulsion for Safe Object Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current recovery systems require substantial training and skill to maneuver hooks for securing objects, posing risks to recovery crews and being susceptible to getting stuck in challenging environments, especially in tactical situations where timely and safe recovery is critical.
Innovation Solution
A deployable clasping system with a winch and propulsion sub-system, including propellers, compressed gas, or rocket thrusters, controlled by a clasp control unit and guidance control unit, allowing for automated and safe deployment and retrieval of objects, such as individuals or materials, using a transit vehicle like a crane or aircraft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual hook maneuvering is used for recovery operations, then the recovery system can be operated with simple equipment, but the recovery crew is exposed to danger and requires substantial training and skill
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation through automated hook maneuvering. The robotic manipulator autonomously positions and secures the hook to the object without human intervention, eliminating the need for trained recovery crews to manually operate in dangerous environments while maintaining simple equipment deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual operation system with an automated robotic manipulation system. The robotic manipulator uses sensors, actuators, and control algorithms to perform hook maneuvering tasks that previously required human operators, thereby eliminating exposure to harmful factors while maintaining operational simplicity
2Device complexity
If manual hook maneuvering is used for recovery operations, then the equipment complexity remains low, but the operation requires substantial training and skill
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service through automated control. The robotic manipulator autonomously executes recovery operations using onboard sensors and processing units, eliminating the need for human operators to interpret complex procedures or possess specialized skills, thereby simplifying operation despite increased device complexity
3Object-affected harmful factors
If automated clasping system is deployed, then the risk to recovery crews is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system is segmented into modular functional units: a robotic manipulator with independent actuators, a sensor suite for environmental perception, a control system for decision-making, and a communication interface. This segmentation allows complex automated functionality to be achieved through coordinated simple modules, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automation benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic manipulator is designed as a universal platform capable of performing multiple recovery tasks including hook maneuvering, object grasping, and securement. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple specialized devices into a single system, managing complexity while providing comprehensive automated recovery capabilities
4Extent of automation
If automated clasping system is used, then the operation can be performed without human intervention, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves self-service automation through autonomous operation. The control system processes sensor data, makes decisions, and executes maneuvers without human intervention, managing complexity through autonomous intelligence rather than mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system incorporates feedback loops where sensors continuously monitor the environment and system state, and the control system adjusts maneuvers based on this feedback. This feedback mechanism enables simple automated decision-making through iterative adjustment rather than complex pre-programming, managing automation complexity through adaptive control
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
Enables efficient, reliable, and safe automatic clasping and release of objects, reducing risk to recovery crews and facilitating secure recovery operations in various environments without human intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The propulsion system may include one or more propellers
Implementation Method 2
The propulsion sub-system may include a vessel of compressed gas
Implementation Method 3
pressurized liquid, or rocket thrusters
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 5
AI summary
A deployable clasping system (100) is configured to be deployed from a component (102) and securely clasp and release an object (104). The deployable clasping system (100) includes a cable (106) that is deployable from the transit vehicle (102). A clasp assembly (108) is coupled to the cable (106). The clasp assembly (108) is configured to securely clasp the object (104). A propulsion sub-system (110) is coupled to one or both of the cable (106) and the clasp assembly (108). The propulsion sub-system (110) is configured to maneuver the clasp assembly (108) to the object (104).