Dual-Shell Payload Transfer Between Vehicles in Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack an efficient method for sharing payloads between vehicles, particularly autonomous vehicles, while they are in operation, and do not allow for flexible attachment and distributive propulsion.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an interior shell with payload receiving units and an outside shell with securing members and a controllable biasing mechanism, enabling payload transfer between vehicles by securing the outside shell with a mating member and moving the interior shell relative to the outside shell using the vehicle, allowing for various shapes and types of vehicles, including flying and ground vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a vehicle uses a fixed rigid structure for payload carrying, then structural strength is improved, but adaptability for sharing payloads between vehicles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle structure is divided into an interior shell and an outside shell that can be separated. The interior shell carries the payload during operation, while the outside shell provides structural strength when needed. This segmentation allows the vehicle to have both strong structural support and the flexibility to share payloads by detaching the interior shell from another vehicle's outside shell.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle employs a controllable biasing member that can transition between a biasing state (rigid connection) and a free state (movable connection). This dynamic capability allows the vehicle to switch between a rigid structure for strength and a flexible configuration for payload sharing, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and adaptability.
2Manufacturing precision
If a vehicle uses a rigid fixed payload structure, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation for payload transfer deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the interior shell from the outside shell, the payload structure can be manufactured with high precision in a controlled environment, yet easily transferred between vehicles through the detachable coupling mechanism. The segmentation allows precision manufacturing while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The controllable biasing member enables easy payload transfer by switching from a rigid biasing state during manufacturing to a free state during operation, allowing the interior shell to be moved relative to the outside shell for simple attachment and detachment between vehicles.
3Reliability
If a vehicle uses a fixed attachment mechanism, then reliability of connection is improved, but adaptability for different vehicle configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The outside shell with its securing members serves multiple functions: providing structural strength, enabling payload sharing, and facilitating attachment to different vehicle types. The universal design of the coupling mechanism allows it to work reliably across various vehicle configurations while maintaining connection reliability through the biasing member's engagement features.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic coupling mechanism with controllable biasing member provides reliable connection when engaged (biasing state) while allowing easy disengagement and reconfiguration (free state). This dynamic capability enables the same mechanism to work reliably with different vehicle types and configurations without compromising connection integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
One or more embodiments of a device and a method are disclosed for sharing a payload. The device comprises an interior shell receiving therein a vehicle and comprising at least one payload receiving unit suitable for receiving a corresponding payload; an outside shell surrounding the interior shell and comprising at least one opening for transferring a payload between inside and outside of the outside shell; a securing member located for securing the outside shell with a mating member located on another device; a controllable biasing member connected to the interior shell and to the outside shell and operable between a biasing state and a free state wherein the interior shell is moveable with respect to the outside shell and wherein a transfer of is achieved by operating the biasing member in the free state, moving the interior shell with respect to the outside shell and transferring the payload.