Modular Unmanned Vehicle Interposer Component for Payload Adaptability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing unmanned vehicles require frequent replacement or upgrading of main aircraft components and software to enhance functionality, which is costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A modular system comprising an aircraft component, an interposer component, and a payload component, where the interposer module acts as a communication and processing intermediary, allowing for the receipt and transmission of instructions and data between the aircraft and payload components, enabling remote control and data processing without the need for replacing the entire vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If main aircraft components and software are replaced or upgraded to enhance functionality, then the functionality and performance of the UAV are improved, but the cost increases and operational efficiency decreases due to frequent replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV system is divided into distinct modular components: a base aircraft platform, interchangeable payload components, and an interposer component that mediates between them. This segmentation allows the payload and interposer to be replaced independently without affecting the main aircraft, thereby maintaining operational efficiency while enabling functionality upgrades.
Solution Approach 2:
The interposer component serves multiple functions: it acts as a communication bridge between the aircraft and payload, provides processing capabilities, and enables different payload types to interface with the same aircraft platform. This multi-functionality allows a single aircraft design to support various payloads, enhancing adaptability without requiring frequent aircraft modifications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If main aircraft components are replaced to upgrade functionality, then the performance is enhanced, but costs increase due to replacement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into aircraft, interposer, and payload components, the patent enables replacement of only the payload and interposer modules rather than the entire aircraft. This reduces the quantity of components that need to be manufactured, stored, and installed, thereby reducing overall system costs while maintaining functionality upgrade capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows spent or outdated payload components to be discarded or recovered and replaced with updated versions, while the expensive aircraft platform remains in use. This selective replacement strategy reduces costs by avoiding disposal and replacement of the main aircraft structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the entire vehicle is replaced to enhance functionality, then the performance is improved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into standardized modules with defined interfaces. The interposer component provides a standardized communication layer between the aircraft and various payload types, reducing system complexity by eliminating the need for custom integration for each payload-aircraft combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The interposer component acts as an intermediary layer that standardizes communication protocols and data formats between diverse payloads and the aircraft control system. This mediation simplifies the overall system architecture by providing a uniform interface layer, reducing the complexity of direct point-to-point integrations.
Data Source
AI summary
An unmanned vehicle (UV) is provided. The UV comprises an aircraft component, an interposer component electrically and mechanically coupled to the aircraft component, and a payload component electrically and mechanically coupled to the interposer component. The interposer component comprising a processor and a memory storing instructions which when executed by the processor configured the processor to receive a communication from one of the aircraft component or the payload component, and sent the communication to the other of the aircraft component or the payload component.