External Storage Enclosure for Automated Mobile Module Deployment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for transporting and deploying mobile modules in risk zones expose operators to danger, are fragile, and occupy valuable space within vehicles, with current solutions failing to provide adequate protection and automated deployment.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a storage enclosure with integral movable arms and jacks, allowing the enclosure to transition between transport and deployment positions, featuring protective shielding and integrated locking mechanisms for secure and protected embarkation and disembarkation of mobile modules without human intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the mobile module is transported inside the vehicle, then the module is protected from external attacks, but the valuable space inside the vehicle is occupied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from attacksVSAvoidspace inside vehicle
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile module is extracted from the vehicle interior and placed in an external storage enclosure mounted on the vehicle's exterior. This allows the module to remain protected while associated with the vehicle, without occupying valuable internal space. The enclosure can be positioned on the rear or side of the vehicle, maintaining proximity while freeing up cabin volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Volume of moving object

If the mobile module is stored outside the vehicle, then the space inside the vehicle is freed, but the module is exposed to attacks (blast mines, projectiles, falling rocks)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace inside vehicleVSAvoidexposure to attacks
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A storage enclosure with integrated protective shielding is prepared in advance and mounted on the vehicle exterior. The shielding is designed to protect against blast mines, projectiles, and falling rocks before any threat occurs. The module is placed inside this pre-prepared protective structure, which is then secured to the vehicle, allowing external storage with built-in defense capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If operators manually position the mobile device, then the module can be deployed, but the operators are exposed to danger in risk zones

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule deploymentVSAvoidoperator exposure to danger
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The storage enclosure is equipped with automated deployment mechanisms including movable arms, jacks, and locking means that can be actuated from within the vehicle. The system performs self-service by automatically transitioning the enclosure from transport position to deployment position, releasing the module without requiring operators to exit the vehicle or manually handle the device in dangerous zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If the storage enclosure is made movable with arms and jacks, then the module can be deployed outside the vehicle, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment capabilityVSAvoidstructure with arms and jacks
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage enclosure is designed as a multi-functional integrated system that combines several functions into a single structure: it serves as the protective housing for the module, the mounting platform on the vehicle exterior, the movable carrier that transitions between transport and deployment positions, and the interface for automated release. The movable arms and jacks are integrated directly into the enclosure structure rather than being separate components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining deployment versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP1837234B1Device for loading and unloading a mobile module from a vehicle
Publication Date: 2010.06.30 NEXTER SYST SA
  • EP1837234B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1837234B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b
  • EP1837234B1 patent drawingFigure 3c

AI summary

The device has a storage enclosure (1) with a base having an armor plate and a cover (3) articulated and actuated by a jack (7), where the enclosure is arranged outside a vehicle. The enclosure is supported by arms (8, 9) whose ends are connected to a support and are integrated to a case (15) of a vehicle. A jack (10) is arranged between the case (15) of the vehicle and a transversal bar of the arm (8). The jack permits to maintain the enclosure in place and displace the enclosure between a transport position and an unloading position of a mobile module (25).