Modular Payload Retrieval Guide for Precise Uncrewed Vehicle Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing uncrewed vehicles lack an efficient and modular system for retrieving payloads from various environments, particularly in scenarios where precise delivery and retrieval are required.
Innovation Solution
A modular payload retrieval system comprising a support structure and a retriever guide with modular components, including a funnel, rotator, and angle adjuster, to direct a payload retriever to a payload holder, enabling secure and efficient retrieval of payloads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If a non-modular retrieval system is used, then the system structure is simpler, but the ease of maintenance and upgrade is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The retriever guide is divided into multiple modular components including a funnel section, a rotator section with angled surfaces, and an angle adjuster section. Each section can be independently manufactured, assembled, maintained, or upgraded without affecting the entire system, directly improving ease of repair while managing complexity through standardized interfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed non-modular design is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but adaptability to different environments and payloads is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The modular retriever guide components are designed with universal interfaces and standardized connection mechanisms that allow the same basic sections to be reused across different payload types and environmental conditions. The angle adjuster and rotator sections can be configured for various operations, providing multi-functionality without requiring completely different systems for each application.
3Measurement precision
If precise payload retrieval is required, then the retrieval accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Specific sections of the retriever guide, particularly the rotator section with its angled surfaces and the angle adjuster, are designed with precision features to control payload orientation and position. These localized precision elements are concentrated where needed for accurate retrieval, while other sections maintain simpler structures, balancing retrieval precision with overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A payload retrieval system includes a support structure and a retriever guide coupled to the support structure. The retriever guide includes a group of modular components that form a channel having an inlet end and an exit end. The retriever guide is adapted to receive a payload retriever at the inlet end of the channel and direct the payload retriever to the exit end of the channel. The modular components include a funnel that forms the inlet end of the channel, a rotator downstream of the funnel that is configured to rotate the payload retriever about a direction of travel through the rotator, and an angle adjuster downstream of the rotator that reduces the angle of inclination of the channel. The system also includes a payload holder disposed at the exit end of the channel.