Vehicular Latching Interface for Lunar Payload Transfer on Uneven Terrain
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of effective systems for transporting and relocating payloads on the lunar surface, including modular payloads and large payloads such as lunar landers, with a need for modular configuration for efficient deposition and adaptability to uneven terrain.
Innovation Solution
A rover system with a chassis, control legs, propulsion components, and a latching system, controlled by processors, capable of adapting to terrain and maneuvering payloads, including multi-rover collaboration for large payloads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional lunar landers are used for payload transportation, then payloads can be transported from landing zone to lunar base, but the landers are incapable of being operated for relocation/transportation and cannot adapt to uneven terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the landing gear movable and adjustable rather than fixed. The control legs can be selectively raised and lowered to adapt to uneven terrain, and the entire landing gear assembly can be relocated by propulsion components. This transforms the static, non-relocatable traditional lander into a dynamic system capable of both terrain adaptation and relocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing the landing gear to serve multiple functions: it provides initial support during landing, enables terrain adaptation through height adjustment, allows payload retrieval, facilitates transportation to new locations, and supports deposition at target locations. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate systems for each operation.
2Productivity
If modular payload transportation systems are implemented, then efficiency of initial deposition is improved, but system complexity increases due to need for multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple previously separate systems into a single integrated landing gear unit. The propulsion components, control legs with suspension, latching system, and payload interaction interfaces are combined into one cohesive structure that performs landing, terrain adaptation, payload retrieval, transportation, and deposition functions, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining modular payload capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the landing gear into distinct functional modules: propulsion components for movement, control legs with suspension for terrain adaptation, latching system for payload securement, and interfaces for modular payload connection. This modular architecture enables efficient payload deposition while keeping each component relatively simple and manageable.
3Adaptability or versatility
If control legs with suspension system are added to enable terrain adaptation, then maneuverability on uneven terrain is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is designed as a dynamic, processor-controlled mechanism rather than a passive mechanical system. The one or more processors selectively control the suspension to raise and lower control legs in real-time based on terrain conditions, enabling active adaptation to uneven surfaces while maintaining manageable complexity through intelligent control.
4Reliability
If latching system is integrated into chassis for payload engagement, then payload retrieval and securement is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching system is designed to automatically engage with payload interfaces without requiring complex external manipulation. The system provides self-service functionality where the latches automatically secure payloads during retrieval operations and can be remotely actuated for release, simplifying the overall mechanism while ensuring reliable payload securement.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments of the disclosure are directed to latching interfaces of a vehicle. In some embodiments, the vehicle comprises a latch system including a plurality of latches configured to selectively interlock with a corresponding first plurality of latch receptacles of a respective payload. In some embodiments, the vehicle comprises a second plurality of latch receptacles disposed on exterior portions of the chassis of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the second plurality of latch receptacles correspond to the first plurality of latch receptacles. In some embodiments, a spatial arrangement of the second plurality of latch receptacles on the exterior portions of the chassis of the vehicle corresponds to a spatial arrangement of the first plurality of latch receptacles on exterior portions of the respective payload. In some embodiments, the second plurality of latch receptacles of the vehicle are configured to interlock with a latching interface of an external system.