Design of Modular Autonomous Rover for Planetary and Terrestrial Exploration with Integrated Data Collection and Transmission Systems

Abstract

This disclosure presents a robust, durable rover engineered for operation in harsh environmental conditions, suited for challenging exploration missions. Its modular design allows for component customization, enabling the addition or removal of elements based on specific mission requirements, thereby enhancing adaptability across diverse tasks. The rover’s autonomous navigation system is capable of storing data during communication interruptions and returning to a designated waypoint when communication is re-established. An onboard power management system is designed to optimize energy usage, extending the rover's endurance over varied terrains. Additionally, a high-resolution camera system captures and stores detailed images, supporting real-time transmission or post-mission analysis for effective data collection. This versatile system enables thorough remote exploration with minimal intervention, making it ideal for scientific research and reconnaissance in remote or difficult-to-access locations.

Specification

Description: FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention relates to the design and development of a modular autonomous rover for planetary and terrestrial exploration, equipped with integrated systems for data collection, transmission, and autonomous navigation. This invention provides a versatile, durable platform for scientific research and exploration of diverse terrains and environments.
________________________________________
3. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
Rovers have long been essential tools for space exploration, offering a way to gather data from otherwise inaccessible or inhospitable environments. Traditionally, rovers are designed for specific missions and lack flexibility for customization or adaptation to different terrains and mission objectives. This limitation leads to higher development costs and decreased operational efficiency for exploration missions.
Additionally, data collection and transmission systems in existing rovers often face challenges related to transmission distance, autonomy during communication losses, and data integrity.
The present invention addresses these challenges by introducing a modular, adaptable design that allows the rover to be customized based on mission-specific requirements and terrain conditions. Furthermore, it integrates advanced sensor suites, onboard cameras, autonomous navigation algorithms, and real-time data collection and transmission systems, making it a robust and versatile platform for scientific discovery
________________________________________
4. OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION:
Objectives of the Invention:
1. To provide a modular autonomous rover design that is customizable for planetary and terrestrial exploration.
2. To integrate advanced environmental sensors capable of detecting soil moisture, sunlight intensity, and topographical variations for comprehensive scientific research.
3. To enable real-time data transmission over significant distances (up to 1100 meters) with secure onboard storage of data in case of communication failure.
4. To design a rover equipped with autonomous navigation capabilities using a Waypoint Based Homing (WBH) algorithm, ensuring uninterrupted mission performance.
5. To provide a rugged, durable rover design capable of withstanding harsh environmental conditions and extended operational endurance
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
The invention relates to a modular autonomous rover designed to facilitate planetary and terrestrial exploration, allowing for customization and reconfiguration based on mission objectives and environmental conditions. The rover integrates a comprehensive sensor suite, including soil moisture sensors, sunlight intensity sensors, and a gyro module for topographical mapping. It is equipped with a high-resolution camera system that captures and stores images in real-time, either for analysis or transmission to a control station.
The rover's data transmission system enables real-time transmission over a distance of up to 1100 meters, ensuring that crucial data reaches operators efficiently. In cases where the communication link is lost, the rover autonomously stores data and returns to a designated waypoint when the connection is re-established, ensuring data integrity and mission continuity.
The rover features autonomous navigation capabilities, using the Waypoint Based Homing (WBH) algorithm, enabling it to navigate its environment without constant human input. When communication is disrupted, the rover temporarily halts data transmission, stores the data onboard, and navigates back to a pre-set waypoint when communication is restored.
Built with durable materials, the rover is designed to operate in harsh terrains and environments, including extreme temperatures and rocky surfaces. Its modular design allows for easy adaptation to various mission requirements, making it suitable for diverse scientific exploration activities.

6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
1. Modular Design:
The rover features a modular chassis that allows for the addition or removal of components such as sensors, tools, or payloads based on mission-specific requirements. This modularity enhances the rover's adaptability for varied exploration missions.
• Frame and Construction: The frame is constructed from lightweight, durable materials capable of withstanding extreme environmental conditions, including exposure to dust, temperature fluctuations, and mechanical shock.
• Mounting System: The rover's mounting system allows for easy attachment of various sensor modules, payloads, or instrumentation tools, enabling rapid configuration changes in response to different exploration needs.
2. Advanced Sensor Suite:
The rover is equipped with a series of sensors for comprehensive environmental assessments:
• Soil Moisture Sensor: Measures moisture content in the soil, critical for planetary geology and potential life habitat analysis.
• Sunlight Intensity Sensor: Detects light levels in the environment, aiding in the study of atmospheric and solar conditions.
• Gyro Module: Utilized for accurate topographical mapping, including detecting variations in height, depth, and slope.
3. Onboard Camera System:
The rover's high-resolution camera captures images of the terrain and surroundings, which are stored in the rover's onboard memory or transmitted in real-time to a control station. The camera can also be used for navigation and scientific analysis.

4. Data Transmission and Storage:
The rover is equipped with a long-range communication system capable of transmitting data over distances up to 1100 meters. In the event of communication loss, the rover stores collected data in an onboard memory bank and resumes transmission once the connection is restored.
5. Autonomous Operation and Navigation:
The rover uses the Waypoint Based Homing (WBH) algorithm to navigate autonomously across terrains. In scenarios where communication with the control station is disrupted, the rover stores data onboard and autonomously returns to a designated waypoint upon re-establishing communication.
6. Power Management and Durability:
The rover integrates advanced power management systems, enabling prolonged operation. Its rugged construction ensures durability in harsh environments, allowing for extensive missions across a range of terrains, from rocky outcrops to sandy deserts.
7. Control and Remote Operation:
The rover can be remotely controlled from a centralized station, with operators overseeing its movements, data collection, and navigation. Data collected by the rover can be analyzed in real-time or post-mission, contributing to valuable scientific discoveries.
, C , Claims:Claim 1: - A modular autonomous rover for planetary and terrestrial exploration, comprising:
• A customizable modular chassis;
• An advanced sensor suite, including soil moisture sensors, sunlight intensity sensors, and a gyro module;
• An onboard high-resolution camera for image capture and analysis;
• A data transmission system capable of real-time communication over distances up to 1100 meters;
• An autonomous navigation system utilizing a Waypoint Based Homing (WBH) algorithm;
• A robust, durable design capable of withstanding harsh environmental conditions.
Claim 2: wherein the modular design allows for the addition or removal of components based on specific mission requirements.
Claim 3: wherein the autonomous navigation system stores data during communication loss and returns to a designated waypoint upon re-establishing communication.
Claim 4: wherein the onboard power management system supports extended operational endurance across varying terrains.
Claim 5: wherein the onboard camera system captures and stores high-resolution images for real-time transmission or post-mission analysis.

Documents