Modular Coupling Assembly With Magnetic Self-Alignment and Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices for modules, such as drones, lack a reliable and efficient mechanism for easy and secure coupling and decoupling, often requiring complex alignment and force distribution.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device featuring a primary androgynous coupling member and complementary secondary coupling members, with electromagnets and permanent magnets allowing for controlled attraction and repulsion, ensuring reliable alignment and force absorption in multiple directions, facilitating easy coupling and decoupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional coupling devices are used for modules, then coupling can be achieved, but the coupling process requires complex alignment and lacks reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device employs asymmetric coupling members with complementary geometries (e.g., protrusion on one module fits into a corresponding recess on another module). This asymmetric design provides self-alignment during the coupling process, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures while ensuring reliable and repeatable coupling between modules.
2Strength
If modules are coupled securely, then connection strength is improved, but decoupling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device incorporates a dynamic release mechanism that transitions the coupling from a locked state to an unlocked state. This may involve actuating elements such as springs, cam mechanisms, or magnetic fields that, when activated, reduce the holding force and allow easy decoupling. The mechanism maintains strong connection during operation but enables simple release when needed.
3Force
If multiple coupling points are used, then force distribution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device divides the coupling interface into multiple discrete coupling points or contact areas distributed across the coupling surface. Each coupling point contributes to the overall force distribution, sharing the mechanical loads (tensile, compressive, and shear forces) across multiple locations. This segmented approach improves force distribution and structural stability without requiring a overly complex overall structure, as each segment is a simple, standardized feature.
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
Enables reliable and efficient coupling and decoupling of modules by ensuring precise alignment and force distribution, allowing modules to be securely connected and disconnected while maintaining stability and independence.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the secondary coupling members is configured to attract, in a first control mode, another secondary coupling member formed so as to be complementary thereto
Implementation Method 2
or to repel it in a second control mode
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A coupling device (2, 2') for coupling modules (1, 1') with each other, comprising: a coupling surface (3), a primary coupling member (6, 6') and at least two secondary coupling members (8a, 8a', 8b, 8b'). The primary coupling member (6, 6') is disposed on the coupling surface (3). A coupling axis (4, 4') disposed parallel to a direction of action of earth's gravitational acceleration extends through the primary coupling member (6, 6'). The at least two secondary coupling members (8a, 8a', 8b, 8b') are formed so as to be complementary to each other and are disposed on the coupling face (3), and respectively have a predetermined distance from the coupling axis (4a, 4b).