The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States of America for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor.
This invention is for a common payload rail for securing an added payload capability to increase the versatility of unmanned vehicles (UV). More particularly, this invention secures an added payload capability externally to unmanned systems such as unmanned undersea vehicles (UUVs) and unmanned sea-surface vehicles (USVs) with minimal modifications required to the internals of the unmanned system.
Contemporary methods for increasing or improving the payloads for UUVs usually involve the insertion of additional payloads within the system. This procedure frequently required space that may not be available and often involved extensive and costly modifications to internal systems in the vehicle. Later developed external payloads for USVs are generally suspended by support systems and towed behind the vehicle. The added-on support and handling systems are usually unique and expensive to construct and install and can compromise the effectiveness of the host unmanned UV.
Thus, in accordance with this inventive concept, a need has been recognized in the state of the art for an efficient capability to directly mount a variety of external payloads to a submerged vessel or the underside of a surface vessel or on an outrigger off the side of the vessel via a rapidly and inexpensively installed common payload rail having the payloads designed for selective connection and disconnection.
The present invention provides a common payload rail to connect external payloads to a UV such as a UUV or USV. The common payload rail has a vehicle interface module having a conforming surface rigidly secured to the unmanned vehicle and feed-through conduits. A functionality module is secured to the vehicle interface module and has internal interfacing components to minimize or eliminate any modifications to the payload and vehicle. A payload interface module having feed-through conduits is secured to the functionality module and has longitudinally extending rail structure sized to engage correspondingly shaped longitudinally extending receiving means on the payload. The longitudinally extending rail structure is shaped to extend into the longitudinally extending receiving means on the payload to arrest lateral displacement between the payload interface module and the payload. At least one securing mechanism on the payload interface module is disposed to engage the payload to arrest longitudinal displacement between the payload interface module and the payload. The feed-through conduits extending through the payload interface module and the vehicle interface module receive select ones of electrical conductors and optical fibers for power and data transmission and other communication requirements of the payload, functionality module, and unmanned vehicle. Some of the feed-through conduits can include tubes to transfer fluids between the payload, functionality module, and unmanned vehicle. The vehicle interface module, functionality module and payload interface module have essentially protuberance-free outer surfaces provided with tapered leading and trailing edges to reduce hydrodynamic drag. The longitudinally extending rail structure has a cross-sectional L-shape and the longitudinally extending receiving means is an L-shaped channel sized to slideably receive the L-shaped longitudinally extending rail structure. Preferably, the longitudinally extending rail structure is a pair of upward-extending, sliding-rail structures extending in an inverted, oppositely-facing L-shaped cross-sectional configuration and longitudinally extending on the payload interface module. The longitudinally extending receiving means is shaped as a pair of L-shaped channels that longitudinally extend in the lower part of the bottom assembly of the payload. The L-shaped channels are slightly larger than the pair of L-shaped sliding rail structures to allow the L-shaped sliding rail structures to be inserted in and contiguously slid within the L-shaped channels. The internal components' of the functionality module can include a variety of self-contained internal power source components to power its own internal components and the external payload. Computer data and signal processing components, including data storage components, to store and process the data sensed and collected by the payload can be included, and sensor components can be included to provide input data to augment the unmanned vehicle and the external payload; the computer components, including data processing and data storage components, may also be arranged to make the functionality module a payload of its own.
An object of the invention is to provide a common payload rail for externally securing a payload on an unmanned vehicle.
Another object of the invention is to provide a cost effective common payload rail for externally increasing or modifying payload capability of existing UUVs and USVs in inventory.
Another object of the invention is to provide a common payload rail for externally securing a payload to an unmanned vehicle and interfacing electrical, electronic, and hydraulic support functions in a rapid and inexpensive installation.
Another object of the invention is to provide a common payload rail for externally securing a payload to the underside or outriggers on USVs or the topsides of UUVs.
Another object of the invention is to provide a common payload rail for mounting payloads externally on UVs to avoid expensive, time consuming modification of the limited interior volume of the UV or displacement of other internal UV systems.
Another object of the invention is to provide a common payload rail for mounting payloads externally on a UV for increased design efficiency and reduced overall system acquisition costs.
Another object of the invention is to provide a standard interface design that permits uncomplicated and easy “slide-on/slide-off” replacement of components on a UVs rather than opening up a UV and endangering the integrity of certified vehicles/systems.
Another object of the invention is to provide a common payload rail for mounting payloads externally on UVs allowing a large number of future payloads to be developed and attached with ease to older generation UVs.
These and other objects of the invention will become more readily apparent from the ensuing specification when taken in conjunction with the appended claims.
Referring to
Referring also to
Vehicle interface module 22 can be considered as an extension of UV 16 and is preferably made from strong, corrosion resistant, or non-corrosive materials to support the static and dynamic loads of modules 24 and 26 and payload 12. Vehicle interface module 22 has an essentially protuberance-free outer surface 23 provided with a tapered leading edge 23A and trailing edge 23B to reduce hydrodynamic drag of payload rail 10. Vehicle interface module 22 has an inner conforming surface 28 shaped to accommodate and be secured to the specific UV 16 of interest. This conforming surface 28 can be attached to, or fastened onto, UV 16 via a number of different means alone or in combination. For example, these means can include epoxy and other strong adhesives adhered to and cured between conforming surface 28 and the surface of UV 16 and/or securing surface 28 to the surface of UV 16 with sealed screws, bolts, or other appropriate fasteners.
Vehicle interface module 22 has one or more feed-through conduits 32 extending through it and between UV 16 and payload rail 10 to receive select ones of electrical conductors and optical fibers for at least some of the power and data transmission and communication requirements of payload 12, functionality module 24, and UV 16. Some of conduits 32 also can be used as tubes to transfer at least some of fluids such as liquid and gaseous petroleum fuel products or other gases among payload 12, functionality module 24, and UV 16.
Functionality module 24 is securely connected to vehicle interface module 22 by any of a wide variety of well known means and is also preferably made from strong, corrosion resistant, or non-corrosive materials to support the static and dynamic loads of payload interface module 26 and payload 12. Functionality module 24 preferably has a protuberance-free outer surface 25 having a tapered leading edge 25A and trailing edge 25B to create an elongate, strut-like streamlined shape for reduction of hydrodynamic drag of payload rail 10 and to reduce the effects of payload rail 10 on the dynamic handling of UV 16.
Referring to
Functionality module 24 can also contain buoyancy compensation components 42 that can include small reservoir tanks, miniature pumps, valves, actuators, and piping. These buoyancy compensation components 42 can be appropriately actuated to modify the impact of the assembled payload rail 10 and payload 12 on the center of gravity and buoyancy of UV 16 and, consequently, its handling and performance. Functionality module 24 can also include appropriate means for isolation 44 of the effects of vibrations throughout payload interface module 26 and vehicle interface module 22 to dampen vibrations from UV 16 to payload 12 or vice versa. This isolation can minimize impact on sensor components 38 or those sensors of UV 16 and payload 12. The isolation means 44 can also have electrical, electro-magnetic, magnetic, and/or acoustical components to minimize impact of the effects of one system or the other, and if necessary, shield and isolate any emissions or emanations from one body to another, and/or compensate for these effects to yield an overall lower detectable radiated signal to remote sensing devices. Components 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, and 44 can be appropriately placed in functionality module 24 by one skilled in the art to assure acceptable ballasting/center-of-gravity/buoyancy/trim and hydrodynamic handling characteristics among payload rail 10, payload 12, and UV 16 and to otherwise make available their intended functional capabilities. It is therefore understood that the arrangement of such components depicted in
Signal and power connectivity is provided between and among internal components 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, external payload 12, and UV 16. This includes internal wiring and connectors embedded in both interface modules 26 and 22. This also includes appropriate units for electrical, optical, fluidic, hydraulic, opto-electronic, and electro-magnetic communications and passing of data through feed-through conduits 46 in payload interface module 26 between external payload 12 and payload rail 10 and through feed-through conduits 32 between UV 16 and payload rail 10. The internal wiring and connectors are fabricated, installed and interconnected using materials and procedures well established in the art.
Referring to
Payload interface module 26 of payload rail 10 assures that payload 12 remains securely in place during operation and that payload 12 can be easily and quickly installed and removed. Payload interface module 26 has a pair of upward-extending, sliding-rail structures 48 made of metal or other rugged, strong material extending in an inverted, oppositely-facing L-shaped cross-sectional configuration. L-shaped sliding rail structures 48 of payload interface module 26 longitudinally extend all the way or at least a portion of the way along the length of module 26 to. L-shaped sliding rail structures 48 are disposed to be slideably received in a pair of slightly larger L-shaped channels 50 that longitudinally extend along a lower part 52 of a bottom assembly 54 of payload 12. The slightly larger shape of L-shaped channels 50 allows L-shaped sliding rail structures 48 to be inserted into and contiguously slid within the L-shaped channels 50 of bottom assembly 54. The locations of the L-shaped channels 50 and the rail structures 48 on module 26 and bottom assembly 54 can be reversed to produce substantially the same results.
Depending on their relative lengths, L-shaped channels 50 in bottom assembly 54 can contain some or all of the entire lengths of L-shaped structures 48 of payload interface module 26. The contiguous abutting relationship between structures 48 and channels 50 laterally secure and arrest payload 12 on UV 16 via payload rail 10. Longitudinal securing of payload 12 on UV 16 via payload rail 10 is assured by including at least one securing mechanism 56 in payload interface module 26. Securing mechanism 56 can be quickly actuated to engage bottom assembly 54 of payload 12 to longitudinally secure payload 12 to payload rail 10 and, thus, UV 16.
Referring also to
The pair of longitudinally extending L-shaped rail structures 48 and mating L-shaped channels 50 could be reversed on module 26 and bottom assembly 54 of payload 12 or one of each could be used. The rail structures and mating channels could have other configurations including separated structural extensions that allow for quick engagement and release of payload 12 to payload rail 10. These could be one or more rounded or square projections on either payload interface module 26 or payload 12 that can engage round or square shaped channels, or a series of projections engaging clamps or clasping receptacles or other engaging means. Electric or unassisted magnetic engaging components may also be used between payload interface module 26 and bottom assembly 54 of payload 12. A feed-through conduit 55 for mating conductors, tubes and connectors is provided in bottom assembly 54 for the transfer of electromagnetic power and data as well as fluids between payload rail 10 and payload 12.
The arrangement of L-shaped rail structures 48 and mating L-shaped channels 50 can have securing mechanisms 56 provided with sub-assemblies 58 that can be quickly manually actuated to pull any pins 60 that are engaging any recesses in bottom assembly 54. This permits payload 12 to be quickly longitudinally displaced to release structures 48 from channels 50. The current payload 12 can be quickly removed and replaced by another payload without any other mechanical complications. Quick-disconnect securing mechanisms other than those described above also can be used to secure payload 12 to payload rail 10 and will readily suggest themselves to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. The literature is replete with such securing means and fasteners whose design and specifications are openly published to become a standard to which bottom assemblies on different UV payloads can then be designed and constructed.
Common payload rail 10 of the invention can be adapted to UVs of many different types and can also be used with manned vehicles as well.
Common payload rail 10 of the invention provides an uncomplicated and reliable “bridging mechanism” that allows coupling of essentially different, arbitrary payloads externally to a wide variety of host vehicles utilizing a standard coupling approach.
Common payload rail 10 will increase flexibility for utilizing payloads with a much broader number of varied UVs at potentially significant savings if payloads are designed and constructed to meet the open interface specification. Payload rail 10 can allow external placement of components that have been carried internally in the current generation of UVs, leaving internal spaces for other components.
Payload rail 10 can increase design efficiency and reduce overall system acquisition costs by providing a standard interface design using components that can be designed separately from the UV itself, and can be mated to any UV that incorporates the same interface design. This feature of payload rail 10 provides enhanced design flexibility, and allows for the interchangeability of components without having to open up or make modifications to the UV. Payload rail 10 allows a large number of future payloads to be developed and attached with ease to older generation UVs that are backfitted with the same interface design. In addition, when needed, multiple ones of payload rail 10 supporting multiple payloads 12 can be mounted on the external surfaces of UVs possibly at different orientations that may depend on geometries of the UVs.
Modifications and alternate embodiments of common payload rail 10 of the invention may be adapted, and differently configured to accommodate different host vehicles under different operational conditions. The disclosed components and their arrangements as disclosed herein all contribute to the novel features of this invention. Payload rail 10 of the invention is an uncomplicated and reliable application of good engineering for improving operational readiness and effectiveness of UVs and their externally mounted payloads.
It should be readily understood that many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible within the purview of the claimed invention. It is to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.
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