Base Attachment Module With Contracting Suction Cup for Stiff SAV Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current small aerial vehicles (SAVs) face challenges in achieving stable attachment to work surfaces without pre-installed mechanical features, particularly when subjected to higher loads during robotic operations, due to limited adhesion and stiffness issues.
Innovation Solution
A base attachment module (BAM) with a contracting suction cup (CSC) and a surface meeting docking assembly (DA) provides multiple contact points to enhance adhesion, correct orientation, and increase the chances of attachment, featuring a bellows-type suction cup for high stiffness and reliable attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single suction cup is used for attachment, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of attachment decreases under higher loads
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into a primary suction cup for initial contact and multiple secondary contact points that engage sequentially. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simplicity while distributing attachment forces across multiple points, thereby improving reliability under higher loads without significantly increasing overall complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the suction cup is made stiffer to reduce bounce, then the attachment stability improves, but the ability to adapt to surface contours decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a dynamic attachment sequence where the primary suction cup maintains a stiffer connection for stability, while secondary contact points engage progressively to adapt to surface variations. This dynamic engagement allows the system to achieve both stability and surface adaptability by adjusting the stiffness distribution over time during the attachment process.
3Reliability
If multiple contact points are added to improve attachment reliability, then the adhesion increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The primary suction cup performs preliminary attachment by making initial contact and establishing a secure connection before secondary contact points engage. This preliminary action allows the system to achieve reliable attachment with minimal complexity, as the secondary points only need to provide additional support rather than initiate the attachment process.
4Weight of moving object
If the SAV structure is made lighter to meet weight requirements, then the productivity increases, but the stiffness of the attachment structure decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pneumatic suction to generate attachment forces, replacing the need for heavy mechanical attachment structures. The suction cup creates a vacuum seal that provides strong attachment without adding significant weight, allowing the SAV to maintain light weight while achieving sufficient attachment stiffness through pneumatic pressure rather than mechanical mass.
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
The solution enables robust and stable attachment of SAVs to various work surfaces, reducing bounce and improving the reliability of attachment, even under higher loads, by using a bellows-type suction cup that contracts to bring secondary attachments into engagement within a controlled range of angles.
Implementation Method 1
a suction cup (CSC) that creates a vacuum for adhesion to the work surface
Data Source
AI summary
A base attachment module (BAM) of a small aerial vehicle (SAV) for attaching the SAV to an unprepared work surface has a surface meeting docking assembly (DA) with contact points for contacting the work surface, and a contracting suction cup (CSC) in a position surrounded by the contact points such that it extends beyond a plane (or other surface contour) of the points in a fully extended operating position, and is retracted below the plane in a retracted position. Actuation of the CSC when in contact with the surface, allows for the DA to be brought into contact with the contact points in a controlled manner, for a high stiffness attachment, as is needed for deployment of robotic tasks from a SAV.