Robot Flipper Retention for Secure Unmanned Vehicle Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned vehicles face challenges in securely carrying and deploying smaller robots without premature unloading or impedance during operations, especially in hazardous environments where signal strength and terrain complexity require reliable communication and data relay.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system featuring a base unmanned vehicle with a rotatable flipper mechanism that secures and deploys smaller robots onto a platform, allowing them to act as relay nodes for extended communication range, with retention brackets ensuring stable retention and deployment from the base robot chassis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the base unmanned vehicle carries smaller robots without a secure retention mechanism, then the deployment process is simpler, but the smaller robots may unload prematurely or become dislodged during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The flipper mechanism transitions between two dynamic states: a first position where the flipper engages with the retention bracket to secure the deployable robot during transport, and a second position where the flipper disengages to allow deployment. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the system to adapt its retention characteristics based on operational phase, ensuring reliable retention during carrying while enabling smooth deployment when needed.
2Reliability
If the base unmanned vehicle uses a complex retention mechanism to securely carry smaller robots, then premature unloading is prevented, but the deployment process becomes more complicated and may be impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The deployable robot autonomously actuates its own flipper mechanism to transition from the engaged retention position to the disengaged deployment position. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex external deployment mechanisms on the base vehicle, as the retained robot performs its own release operation, thereby maintaining carrying security while simplifying the deployment process.
3Reliability
If the base unmanned vehicle deploys smaller robots without a structured retention system, then the system structure is simpler, but communication reliability in hazardous environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is segmented into multiple relay nodes consisting of the base unmanned vehicle and deployed smaller robots. This segmentation allows communication to be hop-by-hop through the relay chain, extending the effective communication range in hazardous environments where direct line-of-sight communication may be blocked. The retention mechanism ensures that relay nodes remain properly positioned for effective communication handoff.
Data Source
AI summary
This specification describes systems for unmanned vehicle carrying and deployment. In some examples, a system includes a deployable robot including at least one rotatable flipper disposed on a surface of the deployable robot. The system includes a base unmanned vehicle configured for carrying and deploying the deployable robot. The base unmanned vehicle includes a base robot chassis, and the base robot chassis includes a platform for securing the deployable robot and at least one retention bracket disposed on the platform. The flipper is configured to rotate in a first rotational direction to lock the deployable robot onto the base robot chassis by engaging with the retention bracket.