Reconfigurable Interconnectable Tiles for Modular Vehicle Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maneuverable vehicles in low- or zero-gravity environments are limited by centralized control and power configurations, which restrict their physical configuration and operational flexibility, making it difficult to adapt to specific operations in these environments.
Innovation Solution
The development of interconnectable tiles with onboard controllers, power units, and thrust units that can form decentralized, dynamically reconfigurable floating surfaces through connectors, allowing for flexible joint configurations and decentralized control to adapt to various operational needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If centralized control and power configuration are used, then the vehicle structure is simplified, but the physical configuration flexibility and operational adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is divided into multiple independent interconnectable tiles, each with its own controller, power unit, and thrust unit. This segmentation allows the vehicle to be reconfigured by connecting or disconnecting tiles, providing physical configuration flexibility while distributing control complexity across multiple simple modular units rather than requiring one complex centralized system.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle system transitions from a fixed centralized configuration to a dynamic reconfigurable structure where tiles can be connected or disconnected based on operational needs. The decentralized controllers enable real-time reconfiguration of the vehicle's physical shape and operational characteristics, allowing adaptation to different missions and environments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rigid and permanent connections are used between thrust units, then the structural stability is improved, but the range of operation and behavioral flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connectors between tiles are designed to transition from rigid permanent connections to dynamically reconfigurable connections. This allows the structural composition to change based on operational requirements, enabling the vehicle to adapt its shape and configuration while maintaining stability during each specific operational phase through proper connector engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the vehicle into separable tile modules with standardized connectors, the system enables both stable configured states (when connectors are engaged) and flexible reconfiguration capability (when connectors can be disengaged and reengaged in different patterns). Each tile maintains structural integrity independently while allowing flexible assembly into various stable configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If decentralized control configuration is implemented, then the operational flexibility and adaptability are enhanced, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple independent decentralized controllers, one in each tile. Each controller manages only its local tile's thrust and connectors, dramatically reducing the complexity of individual control units compared to a centralized system. The collective behavior of these simple modular controllers achieves the operational adaptability of a complex system through emergent coordinated control.
Solution Approach 2:
Each decentralized controller autonomously manages its own tile's operations including thrust control and connector status without requiring constant direct intervention from a central controller. This self-service capability reduces communication overhead and control complexity while maintaining operational adaptability, as each unit can independently respond to local conditions and execute its portion of the mission.
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
This solution enables maneuverable vehicles to operate efficiently in diverse environments by allowing for dynamic reconfiguration of floating surfaces, enhancing operational flexibility and adaptability, and providing robustness against tile failures.
Implementation Method 1
a thrust unit secured within the frame and configured to provide thrust for the submerging tile at least in part by pulling liquid through the opposing open ends of the frame
Implementation Method 2
one or more shutters operably connected with the frame, wherein the one or more shutters are configurable between one or more open positions and a closed position to at least partially seal an open end of the opposing open ends of the frame to dynamically control fluid dynamic interactions with a liquid
Implementation Method 3
the submerging interconnectable tile further comprises a buoyancy adjustment system configured to change the buoyancy of the submerging interconnectable tile
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments are directed to interconnectable tiles configured for operation in an aquatic environment or a near-zero/zero gravity environment. The interconnectable tiles are configured to interconnect relative to one another to form interconnected surfaces, and individual interconnectable tiles provide thrust, ballast, and/or buoyancy to the overall interconnected surface so as to move the interconnected surface in a desired configuration.