Payload Mount Platform With Winding Cable for Smooth Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting platforms for payloads on movable objects, such as unmanned aerial vehicles, are often large, heavy, and prone to entanglement due to wire-based electrical couplings, and lack precision in rotation control due to the absence of feedback mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A compact, lightweight mounting platform design featuring a single arm support member and a flexible electrical member that winds and unwinds around the support member, enabling precise rotation and preventing entanglement, with a detection module for spatial disposition feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wire-based electrical couplings are used in existing mounting platforms, then electrical connections are established, but the wires become easily entangled and interfere with platform operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire-based electrical coupling system with a wireless communication system. The payload mount includes a wireless communication interface that transmits data between the payload and external devices, eliminating physical wires and cables that cause entanglement. This substitution maintains electrical connection functionality (data transmission) while removing the mechanical constraints of wired connections.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional mounting platforms are designed with multiple components for stability, then structural stability is improved, but the platform becomes larger and heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a lightweight modular payload mount structure that uses flexible mounting interfaces and thin-walled components to achieve structural stability without excessive weight. The design incorporates flexible connection elements and distributed mounting points that provide stability while minimizing mass, suitable for aerial vehicle applications where weight is critical.
Solution Approach 2:
The payload mount is designed as a modular segmented structure with separate functional components that can be independently optimized for weight and stability. The modular design allows each segment to be minimized in weight while the collective arrangement provides overall structural stability, reducing total platform weight compared to monolithic designs.
3Device complexity
If drive controllers operate without feedback mechanisms in existing platforms, then device complexity is reduced, but driving precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The payload mount incorporates a wireless communication interface and detection module that provide feedback about payload position and orientation to the control system. This feedback enables closed-loop control, improving payload positioning precision and rotational accuracy while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through wireless data transmission rather than complex wired feedback systems.
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
The solution provides improved control over payload orientation and reduced rotational friction, ensuring smooth and precise operation of the payload, even during repeated rotational maneuvers.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible member electrically coupling the first support member and the payload mount
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods are provided relating to improved mounting platforms for supporting a payload on a movable object. In one aspect, an apparatus for supporting a payload (1) comprises: a first support member (6) coupled to a payload mount (3) and configured to rotate the payload mount (3); a second support member (4) coupled to the first support member (6) and configured to rotate the first support member (6) relative to the second support member (4); and a flexible member (2) electrically coupling the first and second support members (4, 6), wherein a length of the flexible member (2) winds around a portion of the first support member (6) or second support member (4), such that the length winds up around the portion when the first support member (6) is rotated in a first direction and unwinds from the portion when the first support member (6) is rotated in a second direction.