Modular Drive Module for Submersible Autonomous Vehicles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles, such as submersible pool cleaners, often have single propulsion systems that require maintenance and are not easily upgradable or reconfigurable, leading to extended downtime and limited functionality when issues arise.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained drive module that can be removably attached to autonomous vehicles, featuring a propulsion element, motor, and controller, allowing for independent operation and easy replacement or upgrade without specialized tools, and enabling electronic or mechanical isolation from the host vehicle's systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single integrated drive system is used in autonomous vehicles, then the vehicle structure is simplified and manufacturing cost is reduced, but maintenance complexity increases and repair time extends when failures occur
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is divided into separate modular components (drive module, propulsion element, motor) that can be independently removed and replaced. This segmentation allows the propulsion element to be swapped without affecting other systems, reducing maintenance time while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The propulsion element is extracted as a separate replaceable component from the drive system. This extraction allows the propulsion element to be independently serviced or replaced without disassembling the entire drive system, thereby simplifying maintenance procedures while maintaining system integration benefits.
2Device complexity
If a fixed integrated drive system is used in autonomous vehicles, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but adaptability and upgradeability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system configuration is made dynamic through the ability to swap propulsion elements and update control software. This allows the system to adapt to different tasks and upgrade to new technologies without redesigning the entire vehicle, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while enabling flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized interface and modular propulsion elements enable universal compatibility across different vehicle models and applications. A single propulsion element design can serve multiple functions and be upgraded independently, providing versatility without increasing overall system complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If specialized tools are used for assembling drive systems, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation and user maintenance are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly is segmented into standardized modules with simplified connection interfaces. This segmentation allows precision-critical components to be pre-assembled with specialized tools during manufacturing, while field maintenance only requires simple tool-free or basic tool operations on the modular interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Standardized mechanical interfaces and alignment features act as intermediaries between precision-manufactured components and user-friendly assembly operations. These intermediaries maintain manufacturing precision while enabling easy user maintenance through simple attachment and detachment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A drive module for submersible autonomous vehicles is disclosed. The drive module includes a propulsion element configured to engage and rotate against a surface, a motor configured to drive the propulsion element, and a controller configured to cause the motor to drive the propulsion element. The drive module also includes a housing configured to be removably, releasably coupled to the exterior of a submersible autonomous vehicle. The motor and the controller are disposed within the housing.