Robotic Vehicle Payload Deck Tilt and Pivot Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote-controlled robotic systems for Hazardous/First Response/Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams lack adaptability and capability, requiring tools that are both robust and precise, with size and weight constraints limiting their versatility and payload capacity.
Innovation Solution
A skid steer drive system with a load shifting assembly and a chassis design that distributes motive power elements, along with a payload deck assembly that can tilt and pivot to adjust the center of gravity, enabling enhanced mobility and obstacle negotiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the robotic vehicle size and weight are increased to carry useful payloads, then payload capacity is improved, but power/refueling/battery life constraints worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic vehicle is divided into multiple modular components including a chassis module, payload module, and power module that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows optimization of each module's weight and power consumption separately, enabling better overall balance between payload capacity and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle incorporates dynamic weight distribution systems and adjustable suspension that can adapt the center of gravity and load distribution in real-time. This dynamic adjustment optimizes power consumption and battery life while maintaining required payload capacity under varying operational conditions.
2Quantity of substance
If the robotic vehicle size is increased to carry useful payloads, then payload capacity is improved, but deployment constraints worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The modular architecture allows the vehicle to be assembled from standardized components that can be easily deployed by conventional means. Each module can be independently handled and positioned, simplifying deployment operations while maintaining the ability to carry useful payloads.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle design incorporates universal mounting interfaces and standardized connection protocols that enable the same platform to perform multiple functions with different payloads. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized deployment equipment and procedures.
3Manufacturing precision
If the robotic vehicle is designed for surgical precision tasks, then task precision is improved, but robustness for hazardous environments worsens
Solution Approach 1:
Different components of the vehicle are designed with locally optimized properties: the payload interface and precision mechanisms use high-precision components for surgical tasks, while the chassis and protective enclosures use robust, hazard-resistant materials and designs. This local quality differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of precision and robustness.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle incorporates protective shielding, redundant systems, and error-correction mechanisms that are built-in beforehand to protect precision instruments from hazardous environmental conditions. These pre-built protective measures ensure that surgical precision capabilities remain intact even when operating in dangerous environments.
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic vehicle is disclosed, which is characterized by high mobility, adaptability, and the capability of being remotely controlled in hazardous environments. The robotic vehicle includes a chassis having front and rear ends and supported on right and left driven tracks. Right and left elongated flippers are disposed on corresponding sides of the chassis and operable to pivot. A linkage connects a payload deck, configured to support a removable functional payload, to the chassis. The linkage has a first end rotatably connected to the chassis at a first pivot, and a second end rotatably connected to the deck at a second pivot. Both of the first and second pivots include independently controllable pivot drivers operable to rotatably position their corresponding pivots to control both fore-aft position and pitch orientation of the payload deck with respect to the chassis.