Remote Rescue Vehicle Lifting Arms for Extraterrestrial Crew Recovery

Solution Overview

Problem

Current extraplanetary rescue methods are inadequate for rescuing incapacitated crew members of varying sizes, particularly when they are located remotely from vehicles or habitats, as they require manual effort from crew members, which can be difficult and energy-intensive, especially for smaller crew members during extravehicular activities.

Innovation Solution

A remote rescue vehicle equipped with movable lifting arms, a vehicle body (such as a basket), and a drive mechanism, powered by solar panels or batteries, allowing for remote or autonomous operation via wireless control, including smart gloves or remote controls, and equipped with ancillary components like hoists, winches, cameras, and sensors to navigate and secure incapacitated crew members.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual rescue methods are used by crew members, then rescue capability is provided, but energy consumption increases and operational difficulty increases especially for smaller crew members

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverescue operation difficultyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The rescue system uses the incapacitated crew member's own life support system and vehicle resources to facilitate rescue, rather than requiring external crew members to perform physically demanding manual rescue operations. The vehicle's robotic arm and lifting mechanisms perform the rescue work autonomously or with minimal control input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical rescue operations by crew members are replaced with an automated robotic rescue vehicle equipped with robotic arms, winches, and lifting mechanisms that can autonomously or remotely retrieve incapacitated crew members without requiring human physical effort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If crew members manually rescue incapacitated individuals, then rescue is possible, but the scope of rescue is limited to accessible locations only

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverescue location accessibilityVSAvoidrescue operation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rescue vehicle is designed with multiple functions including locomotion across various terrains, robotic arm manipulation, lifting capabilities, and integration with life support systems, enabling it to perform rescue operations in diverse locations and conditions that would be inaccessible to manual rescue efforts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If smaller crew members attempt to rescue larger crew members manually, then rescue capability is provided, but operational difficulty increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverescue capability across crew member sizesVSAvoidrescue operation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rescue system uses the incapacitated crew member's own life support system and vehicle resources to facilitate rescue, rather than requiring external crew members to perform physically demanding manual rescue operations. The vehicle's robotic arm and lifting mechanisms perform the rescue work autonomously or with minimal control input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical rescue operations by crew members are replaced with an automated robotic rescue vehicle equipped with robotic arms, winches, and lifting mechanisms that can autonomously or remotely retrieve incapacitated crew members without requiring human physical effort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables efficient and energy-saving rescue of crew members of any size by allowing remote or autonomous operation, navigating to hard-to-reach areas, and securing incapacitated crew members without manual hauling, thus overcoming the limitations of existing rescue technologies that rely on manual effort and crew member proximity.

Implementation Method 1

one or more of a solar panel or a battery provide power to the vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

the drive mechanism includes a motor, and one or more of a plurality of wheels or a ski and track arrangement are operably connected to the motor to propel the vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

one or more lifting arms operably connected to the vehicle body. The one or more lifting arms are configured to lift an incapacitated crew member into the vehicle body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS20240158108A1Extraplanetary remote rescue system

Publication Date: 2024.05.16 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP

AI summary

A remote rescue vehicle for an extraplanetary environment includes a vehicle body, a drive mechanism connected to the vehicle body to convey the vehicle across an extraplanetary environment, and one or more lifting arms operably connected to the vehicle body. The one or more lifting arms are configured to lift an incapacitated crew member into the vehicle body. A remote rescue vehicle system for an extraplanetary environment includes a remote rescue vehicle including a vehicle body, a drive mechanism connected to the vehicle body to convey the vehicle across an extraplanetary environment, and one or more lifting arms operably connected to the vehicle body. The one or more lifting arms are configured to lift an incapacitated crew member into the vehicle body. A control system is wirelessly connected to the remote rescue vehicle to control operation of the remote rescue vehicle.