Payload Interface Module for Rapid RPV Payload Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remotely piloted vehicle (RPV) systems face long integration times and specialized interfaces for new payloads, making it difficult to rapidly adapt to emerging threats and varying mission sets.
Innovation Solution
The Payload Interface Module (PIM) provides a universal set of standard interfaces, including power, Ethernet, serial ports, and discrete I/O pins, paired with a ground-based module to enable customizable remote control and communication, allowing for rapid integration and interchange of payloads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If payloads are tightly integrated with the UAS using purpose-built interfaces, then the system achieves reliable operation, but the development time and integration complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the payload integration architecture into standardized interface modules that separate the payload from the UAS platform. The payload interface box provides modular connection points that allow payloads to be independently developed and tested, then rapidly integrated without requiring custom integration work for each payload type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universal interface standards that allow a single UAS platform to accommodate multiple different payload types through standardized connections. The interface box provides multiple discrete I/O pins and communication protocols that can serve various payload functions, eliminating the need for purpose-built interfaces for each payload.
2Adaptability or versatility
If standardized interfaces are implemented for multiple payload types, then the adaptability and versatility of the UAS improve, but the interface complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The payload interface box serves as an intermediary device between the UAS control system and diverse payloads. It provides standardized connection points and handles protocol conversion, signal conditioning, and interface management, thereby simplifying the control architecture while supporting multiple payload types through uniform interaction methods.
3Reliability
If custom interfaces are designed for each payload, then the payload performance is optimized, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs universal interface standards with discrete I/O pins that can be configured for different signal types and protocols. This allows a single standardized interface design to support multiple payload types while maintaining optimized performance through configurable interface settings rather than requiring custom hardware for each payload.
Data Source
AI summary
In a remotely piloted vehicle system, a ground station has a payload controller (PC), ground data terminal (GDT), and first payload interface module (PIM) having a first interface of a payload-specific type to the PC and a first network interface to the GDT, and the first PIM converts between signals of the first interface and corresponding messages of the first network interface. Aa remotely piloted vehicle has a payload (PL), a vehicle data terminal (VDT), and a second PIM having a second interface of the payload-specific type to the PL and a second network interface to the VDT. The VDT is communicatively coupled to the GDT for transfer of messages, and the second PIM converts between messages of the second network interface and corresponding signals of the second interface. The PIMs form respective endpoints of a ground-to-vehicle channel between the PC and PL.