Aerial Vehicle Storage Case With Elevating Launch Platform
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage cases for aerial vehicles do not allow safe direct launch and landing without increasing the case size, which is undesirable due to footprint concerns, especially when mounted in hard-to-reach locations.
Innovation Solution
A storage case with a platform that doubles as a launch and landing platform, where the platform elevates as the doors open, increasing clearance without enlarging the case footprint, using a mechanical connection system controlled by a controller to manage door and platform movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the storage case size is increased to allow for more clearance between the vehicle and storage case, then safe launch and landing becomes possible, but the footprint of the storage case increases
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. The platform can be lowered to provide clearance for safe vehicle launch and landing, then raised to minimize the storage case footprint when not in use. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between needing clearance space and maintaining a compact footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing the horizontal footprint to provide clearance, the solution moves the clearance provision to the vertical dimension by lowering the platform. This allows sufficient vertical space for vehicle operations without expanding the horizontal area occupied by the storage case.
2Reliability
If the platform is lowered to provide clearance for vehicle operations, then safe direct launch and landing becomes possible, but the platform may collide with the ground or obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
Limit switches are installed to detect when the platform has reached the appropriate lowered position. These switches provide feedback to the control system to prevent further lowering that would cause collision with the ground or obstacles. This feedback mechanism ensures the platform provides sufficient clearance for vehicle operations while avoiding harmful collisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates preventive measures by using limit switches to stop the platform before it can collide with the ground or obstacles. This prior cushioning approach prevents the harmful effect of collision before it can occur, while still allowing the platform to lower enough to provide necessary clearance.
3Area of stationary object
If the platform raises as doors open, then clearance increases without enlarging footprint, but the mechanical connection system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical connection system merges the door opening mechanism with the platform raising mechanism into a single integrated system. As the doors open, the mechanical connection automatically raises the platform through the linkage system. This combining of functions reduces the need for separate actuators and control systems, making the complexity manageable while achieving the dual function of door opening and platform elevation.
4Productivity
If manual handling is eliminated for vehicle deployment, then productivity increases, but the automation system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the storage case automatically performs the deployment and recovery functions. The controller automates the door opening, platform raising, vehicle launch, and platform lowering sequences without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability increases productivity while the automation complexity is managed through systematic control of the mechanical components already present in the system.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to the present invention there is provided a storage case, which comprises, at least one door which is moveable between an first position in which the door is closed and a second position in which the door is opened; a platform, which can support an aerial vehicle; and a mechanical connection means which is connected between the platform and the at least one door, wherein the mechanical connection means is configured such that as the door is moved from its first position to its second position the platform simultaneously elevated; and as the door is moved from its second position to its first position the platform simultaneously lowered; and a controller which is configured to control the mechanical connection means. There is further provided a corresponding method of deploying an aerial vehicle; a corresponding method of storing an aerial vehicle; an assembly which comprises the storage case and an aerial vehicle; and a vehicle which comprises the storage case.