Marine Payload Catch Arm for Precise Autonomous Vessel Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for delivering items to moving vessels, such as marine vessels, lack simplicity and accuracy, particularly in terms of secure and precise attachment and delivery mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous vehicle equipped with a payload catch arm structure that can be removably attached to a marine vessel, utilizing sensors and motors for precise positioning and a platform structure that rotates to facilitate secure item transfer, combined with a mobile control center for real-time navigation and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing delivery techniques are used, then delivery can be made to moving vessels, but the attachment and delivery mechanisms lack simplicity and accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system is divided into separate functional modules: the autonomous vehicle for transport, the payload catch arm structure for reception, and the platform structure for transfer. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, improving delivery accuracy without requiring the entire system to become more complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The payload catch arm structure serves as an intermediary component between the autonomous vehicle and the vessel deck. It provides a dedicated interface for secure attachment and precise payload transfer, eliminating the need for complex direct coupling mechanisms while maintaining high delivery accuracy.
2Reliability
If a secure attachment mechanism is implemented, then reliable delivery is achieved, but the attachment structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The payload catch arm structure incorporates movable and adjustable components that can dynamically adapt to different payload weights and delivery conditions. This dynamic design maintains secure attachment through active adjustment rather than relying on overly complex static structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism is designed to handle multiple functions: securing the payload catch arm to the vessel, positioning the platform structure, and facilitating payload transfer. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, maintaining reliability while controlling overall structural complexity.
3Measurement precision
If precise positioning is implemented for autonomous delivery, then delivery accuracy improves, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous vehicle and payload catch arm structure incorporate sensors and control systems that provide real-time feedback on position, payload weight, and vessel movement. This feedback enables continuous adjustment and correction, achieving high positioning precision through iterative control rather than overly complex predetermined mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations disclosed herein include devices, systems, and methods that enable an autonomous vehicle to deliver items to moving vessels via an aerial payload catch arm structure removably attached to universal structures of a marine vessel. For example, a structure may include a first elongated structure pivotably attached to a second elongated structure. The second elongated structure includes an attachment structure configured to removably attach the second elongated structure to a structure on a vessel. The structure may further include a third elongated structure pivotably attached to the first elongated structure and a platform structure comprising a porous platform. The platform structure is attached to the third elongated structure such that the platform structure in combination with the third elongated member and the first elongated member is configured to rotate around the second elongated member to move the platform structure between positions for an autonomous vehicle delivery.