Inflatable Bladder Crate for Rapid Underbody Kit Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing and removing underbody kits from military vehicles are time-consuming, require significant tooling, skill, and personnel, and often involve the use of industrial equipment, which can be unsafe and logistically burdensome.
Innovation Solution
A rapid underbody kit deployment crate system comprising a pallet with attached inflatable bladders and a cover, which allows for the vertical lifting and lowering of underbody kits using fluid inflation and deflation, enabling easy installation and removal without the need for extensive equipment or personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional methods are used for installing and removing underbody kits, then the kits can be installed and removed, but the process is time-consuming and requires significant tooling, skill, and personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the underbody kit into separable components that can be independently handled by inflatable bladders during removal, allowing for segmented extraction rather than complete removal of the entire assembly. This enables faster, more efficient removal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inflatable bladders that use pneumatic pressure to lift and extract underbody kit components from the vehicle. This pneumatic mechanism replaces traditional manual or mechanical removal methods, significantly reducing the time and personnel required for both installation and removal operations.
2Ease of operation
If traditional industrial equipment is used for underbody kit installation and removal, then the tasks can be completed, but safety risks increase and logistical burden grows
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable bladder system is designed to be self-contained and self-operating, requiring minimal external equipment or specialized personnel. The system serves itself by using the vehicle's own structure as part of the installation/removal process, reducing the need for additional safety equipment and logistical support.
3Ease of manufacture
If extensive tooling and equipment are used for underbody kit installation, then proper installation can be achieved, but the complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable bladder system serves multiple functions: it lifts the underbody kit into position during installation, supports the kit during positioning, and extracts components during removal. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for multiple specialized tools and pieces of equipment, simplifying the overall process while maintaining proper installation standards.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system significantly reduces the time, tooling, and personnel required for underbody kit installation and removal, enhances safety by minimizing the use of industrial equipment, and allows for rapid field deployment and storage of underbody kits.
Implementation Method 1
inflating the at least one inflatable bladder with a fluid to vertically lift the underbody kit into installation position
Implementation Method 2
deflating the at least one inflatable bladder by releasing the fluid from the at least one inflatable bladder
Data Source
AI summary
A method of installing an underbody kit to a vehicle comprising providing a rapid underbody kit deployment crate comprising a pallet, at least one inflatable bladder, and at least one cover; removing the at least one cover from the pallet; placing the underbody kit onto the pallet and the at least one inflatable bladder; securing the at least one cover back onto the pallet; transporting the rapid underbody kit deployment crate to an assembly location; removing the at least one cover from the pallet; driving the vehicle over the rapid underbody kit deployment crate; inflating the at least one inflatable bladder to vertically lift the underbody kit into installation position; installing the underbody kit to an underbody of the vehicle; deflating the at least one inflatable bladder by releasing the fluid from the at least one inflatable bladder; and driving the vehicle away from the rapid underbody kit deployment crate.