Common Attachment Interface for Fast Firefighting Robot Tool Swaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for changing attachments on firefighting robotic vehicles are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and require multiple large apparatus, making it impractical to perform changes during a fire event.
Innovation Solution
A mount assembly with a common interface that allows for quick attachment and detachment of interchangeable head assemblies, such as plow heads or pallet forks, using pin hardware for secure locking and unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional attachment swapping methods are used, then complete attachment apparatus must be removed and replaced, but this process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment apparatus is divided into two functional segments: a common interface (mount assembly) that remains on the vehicle and interchangeable heads that can be quickly swapped. This segmentation allows the time-consuming mount removal step to be eliminated, as only the lightweight head portion needs to be changed while the mount stays in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The essential functional components (plow blades, pallet forks, etc.) are extracted as separate interchangeable heads from the complete attachment apparatus. These extracted heads can be quickly swapped on the common interface without removing the entire attachment system, significantly reducing changeover time and effort.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple complete attachment apparatus are stored and transported, then all attachment types are available, but this increases equipment storage and transport requirements
Solution Approach 1:
A universal common interface (mount assembly) is designed to accommodate multiple different head types through a standardized connection system. This multi-functional interface can securely hold plow heads, pallet fork heads, and other attachment variants, allowing one mount to serve multiple purposes and reducing the need for multiple complete attachment sets.
Solution Approach 2:
The common interface integrates multiple mounting points and connection mechanisms into a single unified structure. By merging the mounting function with interchangeable heads, the system combines what would otherwise require separate complete attachment apparatus into one versatile platform, reducing total equipment quantity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complete attachment apparatus are used, then each attachment has its own independent components, but this increases the number of parts involved in changeover
Solution Approach 1:
The complex mounting components are extracted and consolidated into a single common interface that remains permanently installed on the vehicle. Only the simplified head portions (containing just the essential functional elements like blades or forks) need to be handled during swaps, dramatically reducing the number of parts involved in each changeover operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A firefighting robotic vehicle includes firefighting equipment, a vehicle body constructed and arranged to support the firefighting equipment, and a frontend attachment that couples with the vehicle body. The frontend attachment includes a mount assembly constructed and arranged to attach to the vehicle body, a head assembly constructed and arranged to serve as a frontend of the firefighting robotic vehicle, and pin hardware constructed and arranged to selectively lock the head assembly to the mount assembly and unlock the head assembly from the mount assembly. Example heads for the head assembly include a plow, a forklift, combinations thereof, etc.