Modular Armor UAV Loading Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods require large-scale modifications of armored vehicles to load unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and result in limited operational times for the UAVs after separation.

Innovation Solution

A modularized armor structure with an unmanned aerial vehicle loading section, armoring material structure, and attaching sections that allow for easy attachment and detachment from armored vehicles, including electrical connectors for power supply and communication systems, and a locking/unlocking mechanism for secure UAV operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a large-scaled modification of the armored vehicle is performed to load an unmanned aerial vehicle, then the UAV can be loaded on the armored vehicle, but the time and cost for the modification increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUAV loading capabilityVSAvoidmodification time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The armor structure is divided into a basic external armor and a detachable modularized armor structure. The modularized portion includes an unmanned aerial vehicle loading section that can be attached or detached as needed, allowing the armored vehicle to gain UAV loading capability without permanently modifying the entire vehicle structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The armor structure transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The modularized armor structure can be attached when UAV loading is required and detached when not needed, allowing the vehicle to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a large-scaled modification of the armored vehicle is performed to load an unmanned aerial vehicle, then the UAV can be loaded on the armored vehicle, but the cost for the modification increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUAV loading capabilityVSAvoidmodification cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modularized armor structure serves multiple functions: it provides armor protection and simultaneously enables UAV loading capability when attached. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized modifications, thereby reducing overall modification costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional loading methods are used, then the unmanned aerial vehicle can be loaded on the armored vehicle, but the operable time of the UAV after separating from the armored vehicle is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUAV loading capabilityVSAvoidUAV operable time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power source is pre-charged while the modularized armor structure is attached to the armored vehicle, utilizing the vehicle's power supply system. This preliminary charging ensures the UAV has sufficient power for extended operation after separation, overcoming the limitation of conventional loading methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9952022B2Modularized armor structure with unmanned aerial vehicle loaded and armored vehicle using the same

Publication Date: 2018.04.24 MITSUBISHI HEAVY IND LTD

AI summary

An armored vehicle includes: a basic armored vehicle having a predetermined basic external armor; a modularized armor structure exchangeably attached to the basic external armor; and an unmanned aerial vehicle loaded on the modularized armor structure. The modularized armor structure includes: an unmanned aerial vehicle loading section configured to load the unmanned aerial vehicle; an armoring material structure formed of armoring material; and an attaching section used to exchangeably attach the modularized armor structure to the basic armored vehicle.