Hinged UGV Bridge Deployment for Gap and Step Traversal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) face challenges in traversing various obstacles, such as gaps and structures projecting above ground level, as existing mobility enhancement solutions are limited in size and type, and require dedicated bridging vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A robotic bridging system with a hinged bridge structure and deployment support bracket, featuring a tension element deployment device and retention elements, allowing the bridge to automatically transition from a stowed to a deployed configuration, enabling UGVs to traverse obstacles without a dedicated vehicle, by pivoting and extending a tension element to release the second span and limit its rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional flippers with motorized tracks are used to improve UGV mobility over obstacles, then the UGV can overcome certain limited size or type obstacles, but the solution is not effective for larger or different types of obstacles and requires dedicated bridging vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge is divided into multiple spans (first elongated span and second elongated span) that can be independently positioned and configured. Each span can be separately deployed and adjusted to traverse different types and sizes of obstacles, providing versatility without requiring a completely different vehicle for each obstacle type.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge structure incorporates movable hinges and spring bias assemblies that allow the spans to dynamically adjust their positions and angles. The spring bias assembly automatically urges the second span from a closed configuration to an open configuration, enabling adaptive response to various obstacle configurations without complex control systems.
2Ease of operation
If a hinged bridge structure with spring bias assembly is used to enable automatic transition from stowed to deployed configuration, then the deployment complexity is reduced, but the mechanism requires precise coordination of tension elements and retention elements
Solution Approach 1:
The spring bias assembly is configured to automatically urge the second elongated span from a closed configuration to an open configuration without requiring external actuation. The tension element deployment device selectively controls the variable length of the tension element, and the retention element automatically prevents or allows transition based on the first span's position, enabling self-service deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention element is pre-configured to prevent transition of the second span from closed to open configuration when the first span is in the stowed position. The tension element is pre-secured at a predetermined location on the first span, and the spring bias assembly is pre-loaded to provide the necessary urging force, allowing seamless transition when conditions are met.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the tension element is releasably secured at a predetermined location intermediate the ends of the span, then the bridge can be deployed remotely without dedicated bridging vehicles, but the tension distribution and structural integrity must be carefully managed
Solution Approach 1:
The tension element is releasably secured at a predetermined location on the first elongated span that is intermediate the first and second ends. This intermediate attachment point creates a specific load distribution pattern that optimizes both deployment flexibility and structural integrity, allowing remote deployment while maintaining span strength during the deployment process.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the retention element selectively prevents transition of the second span to maintain stability during transport, then the bridge remains stable in stowed position, but the transition mechanism requires additional control elements
Solution Approach 1:
The retention element is configured to automatically prevent transition of the second elongated span from closed to open configuration when the first span is in the stowed position. The system uses the positional relationship between the first and second spans themselves to control the retention mechanism, eliminating the need for separate sensors or actuators to monitor stowed position.
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 system provides flexible, remote deployment and disengagement, allowing UGVs to traverse multiple types of obstacles, including gaps and steps, without the need for a dedicated bridging vehicle, enhancing mobility and adaptability while being lightweight and low-cost.
Implementation Method 1
The hinged bridge structure also includes a spring bias assembly. The spring bias assembly is configured to urge rotation of the second elongated span about the hinge axis from a closed configuration to an open configuration.
Implementation Method 2
The tension element deployment device is configured to selectively control a variable length of an extended portion of an elongated tension element.
Data Source
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AI summary
UGV bridging system includes a first end of a first elongated span of a hinged bridge structure disposed on a deployment support bracket which is secured to a UGV. A second elongated span is hingedly supported at a second end of the first elongated span opposed from the first end. A tension element applies a tension force to the first elongated span at a location intermediate the first and second ends. The tension force secures the first elongated span in a stowed position adjacent the deployment support bracket. A retention element associated with the deployment support bracket prevents the second elongated span from rotating about the hinge axis in response to a spring bias force. Deployment involves pivoting the first elongated span and concurrently releasing the second elongated span from the retention element in response to the extending.