Customizable Dispenser Module for Analog-to-Digital Retrofit

Solution Overview

Problem

Retrofitting older vehicles with digital equipment is costly and time-consuming, as it often requires stripping out existing analog systems and overhauling the vehicle, due to limited space for additional equipment.

Innovation Solution

A customizable dispenser module that allows preexisting analog equipment to be used with digital systems by electrically connecting a squib to a logic circuit, enabling quick swapping of payloads without modifying the vehicle, and facilitating electrical communication with individual payload devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If preexisting analog systems are stripped out and vehicle is overhauled to install digital equipment, then digital equipment compatibility is improved, but modification time and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedigital equipment compatibilityVSAvoidmodification time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into modular dispenser modules that can be independently installed and configured. Each module contains its own logic circuit and payload mechanisms, allowing digital equipment to be added without overhauling the entire vehicle system. This segmentation enables selective installation of only the necessary digital components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A logic circuit acts as an intermediary between the preexisting analog control systems and the new digital payload devices. The logic circuit receives analog signals and translates them into digital control signals, enabling communication between legacy analog equipment and modern digital equipment without requiring complete system replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If preexisting analog systems are stripped out and vehicle is overhauled to install digital equipment, then digital equipment compatibility is improved, but modification cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedigital equipment compatibilityVSAvoidmodification cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into modular dispenser modules that can be independently installed and configured. Each module contains its own logic circuit and payload mechanisms, allowing digital equipment to be added without overhauling the entire vehicle system. This segmentation enables selective installation of only the necessary digital components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A logic circuit acts as an intermediary between the preexisting analog control systems and the new digital payload devices. The logic circuit receives analog signals and translates them into digital control signals, enabling communication between legacy analog equipment and modern digital equipment without requiring complete system replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Volume of moving object

If multiple payload devices are integrated into one module, then space utilization is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidmodule complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The module is segmented into distinct functional components: individual payload devices, separate squibs for each payload, and a centralized logic circuit. This segmentation allows each component to be independently designed and tested, reducing the complexity management burden despite multiple payloads being integrated into a single module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The logic circuit serves multiple functions: it receives analog signals, translates them to digital signals, and distributes control signals to multiple different payload devices. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control circuits for each payload, thereby reducing overall complexity while enabling space-efficient integration of multiple payloads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10940814B2Customizable multifunctional dispenser module

Publication Date: 2021.03.09 THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY

AI summary

The present invention relates to a dispenser module for converting preexisting analog systems into a customizable digital system. According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a user can utilize preexisting analog equipment to operate and control a dispenser module. A squib is electrically connected to a logic circuit such that the normal “firing” of the original payload at that location will cause a change in the state of the electrical circuit. Because there are multiple payload allocations within one module, this allows electrical communication with individual/select payload devices by an operator. Payloads in the module can be quickly swapped in and out without making any changes to the vehicle.