Unmanned Ground Vehicle Modular Chassis and Suspension Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current full-size unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) are limited by slow speed, high weight, vulnerability to attacks, and complex, unreliable designs, making them ineffective for modern combat scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A dual-action dogleg suspension system, a track system with cleats and rubber inserts, a shark fin track guide system, a dry clutch and braking system, a tubular chassis assembly, and a modular suspension carrier design that includes a spring-loaded piston track tension compensator and flat drive tooth drive sprocket, allowing for enhanced speed, reliability, and maintainability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a solid plate steel chassis with welded construction is used, then structural strength and durability are improved, but manufacturing complexity and serviceability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis is divided into modular sections (front end, rear end, mid-section) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows for simpler manufacturing of individual components while maintaining overall structural strength through standardized coupling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the chassis use different construction methods optimized for their specific functions. The tubular frame provides structural strength where needed, while modular plate sections allow for easy serviceability and component replacement in areas requiring maintenance access.
2Speed
If six electric drive motors with planetary gears are used, then off-road capability and suspension travel are improved, but device complexity and vulnerability to attacks increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple drive motors are combined into a single central drive system that powers all six wheels through a unified mechanical linkage. This merging reduces the number of independent complex systems from six separate motor-gear assemblies to one integrated drive unit, simplifying the overall drive train while maintaining off-road capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single central drive system serves multiple functions: it provides power to all six wheels, enables differential wheel speed for turning, and offers centralized control for both on-road and off-road operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate complex systems for each wheel.
3Ease of operation
If active electro-controlled suspension leveling system is added, then ride control is improved, but device complexity, cost, and vulnerability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system uses passive mechanical elements (torsion bars, doglegs, shock absorbers) that automatically adjust to terrain conditions without requiring active electronic control. The system self-regulates suspension travel and wheel positioning based on physical forces, eliminating complex electro-controlled mechanisms while maintaining ride control.
4Device complexity
If no suspension system is used, then structural simplicity is improved, but speed and off-road performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The complex active control electronics and heavy hydraulic components are extracted from the suspension system, retaining only the essential passive mechanical elements (torsion bars, doglegs, shock absorbers) needed for basic suspension function. This extraction reduces complexity while preserving the speed and off-road performance benefits of having suspension travel.
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 results in a UGV that is at least twice as fast as prior art, significantly lighter, less vulnerable, and more reliable, with unmatched performance characteristics, including a top speed of 65 mph and 20 inches of suspension travel, while being cost-effective and easy to maintain.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded piston track tension compensator system
Data Source
AI summary
An unmanned guided vehicle that is at least twice as fast as those of the prior art, lighter, less vulnerable, and more reliable than the prior art having at least one of: a dual-action dogleg suspension system; a track system comprising a plurality of cleats, a rubber insert secured to each cleat, and two cables serially joining each cleat to make up a track; a track guide system comprising a shark fin secured to each cleat that runs through a plurality of track guides; a dry clutch and braking system; a tubular chassis comprising a tubular center chassis and a tubular suspension chassis; a spring-loaded piston track tension compensator system; a flat drive tooth drive sprocket system that allows for clearing foreign debris from between the teeth; and a suspension carrier modular design assembly system comprising a passenger side suspension carrier, center cage, and driver's side suspension carrier.