Modular UGV Frame Segmentation for Manual Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) are difficult to transport due to their large dimensions and weight, requiring large and impractical carriers, limiting their field and operational modes.
Innovation Solution
A modular frame design for UGVs, comprising self-propelled lateral modules and a central module, which can be easily disassembled into compact configurations for manual transport by a reduced number of operators, allowing for simpler and economic transportation over long distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UGVs are designed with large dimensions and weight for operational capability, then they can perform missions effectively, but they become difficult to transport and require large specialized carriers
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple modular components (first lateral module, second lateral module, central module) that can be separated from each other. Each module can be independently transported by operators, eliminating the need for large specialized carriers while maintaining the complete frame structure for operational use.
2Ease of operation
If specialized carriers with large loading capacity are used to transport UGVs, then transportability is achieved, but the carriers are very large and not practical to use
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is segmented into transportable modules that can be moved without specialized carriers. Operators can manually handle each module, eliminating the need for large, complex transport equipment while simplifying the overall logistics.
3Strength
If the frame is designed as a single integrated structure, then structural strength is maintained, but it cannot be easily disassembled for manual transport
Solution Approach 1:
The frame consists of separate modular components (lateral modules and central module) that can be easily assembled and disassembled. Each module maintains structural integrity on its own, and when combined, they form the complete frame structure needed for operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure transitions between two states: an assembled state providing full structural integrity for operations, and a disassembled state enabling manual transport. The modular design allows dynamic reconfiguration between these states as needed.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The frame (2) comprises a pair of self-propelled lateral modules (3), which extend in a longitudinal direction, can be mutually coupled in a transverse direction and in a removable manner, and are adapted to contribute to create, when assembled, a support structure for a central module (5), which can be coupled in a removable manner to the frame (2) and is provided with a control system, which is configured to control the movements and the actuation of the self-propelled lateral modules (3). Each one of the self-propelled lateral modules (3) comprises a pair of bearing portions (10), and a connection portion (12), which mutually constrains the bearing portions (10) and is able to permit a relative movement thereof between an extended configuration, in which the bearing portions (10) define a greater longitudinal extension of the self-propelled lateral module (3), and a compact configuration, in which the bearing portions (10) define a smaller longitudinal extension of the self-propelled lateral module (3).