Host-Guest Unmanned Vehicle Deployment for Multi-Environment Missions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional unmanned vehicle designs are limited to specific operating environments and tasks, lacking the capability for multi-environment and multi-task operations.
Innovation Solution
The development of an unmanned vehicle system comprising a host vehicle and a guest vehicle, equipped with advanced maneuvering, sensor, and communication systems, allowing for semi-submersible launch and recovery and operation in atmospheric, marine, and submarine environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional unmanned vehicle designs are used, then the vehicle can operate in a specific environment, but the vehicle lacks capability for multi-environment and multi-task operations
Solution Approach 1:
The host vehicle is designed with universal capabilities to perform multiple functions across different environments. It can carry and deploy various types of guest vehicles (aerial, surface, underwater) and perform both stealth and high-performance tasks, making a single platform adaptable to diverse operational requirements without requiring separate specialized vehicles for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a nested configuration where guest vehicles are carried within or attached to the host vehicle. The guest vehicles can be stowed inside the host vehicle's hull or mounted on external platforms, allowing compact integration of multiple functional units into a single deployable system that expands operational capability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If the guest vehicle is carried by the host vehicle, then the guest vehicle can be deployed to extended locations, but the securing system must ensure safe transport and deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The securing system is pre-configured with multiple attachment points and restraint mechanisms that are activated before deployment. The guest vehicle is properly secured to the host vehicle's mounting structure prior to transport, ensuring it remains firmly attached during movement and only releases when deployment conditions are met, thereby preventing accidental detachment while enabling flexible deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The securing system incorporates sensors and control mechanisms that monitor the attachment status and deployment conditions. The system provides feedback to the control system to confirm proper securing during transport and to trigger deployment sequences when appropriate conditions are detected, ensuring reliable and controlled deployment to extended locations
Data Source
AI summary
An unmanned vehicle system is provided. The system may comprise a host vehicle and a guest vehicle, each of which may each include a vehicle body, a control system, a maneuvering system, and a sensor and communication system. The host vehicle may also include a securing system. The host vehicle and the guest vehicle may be in communication with one another, and the guest vehicle may be moveable between a stowed state, defined as the guest vehicle being at least partially carried by a portion of the host vehicle, and a deployed state, defined as the guest vehicle being spaced apart from the host vehicle. The securing system may be operable to move between a locked state and an unlocked state to selectively engage the guest vehicle to allow for the guest vehicle to be moved from the stowed state to the deployed state.