Wireless bomb disposal and monitoring system for the safe and remote neutralization of hazards

Abstract

A wireless bomb disposal and monitoring system (100) comprising the following: a mobility unit (1) with a chassis mounted on at least two wheels for remote navigation, wherein the mobility unit (1) has an omnidirectional wheel arrangement for improved maneuverability in confined environments; a robot arm unit (2) mounted on the chassis, wherein the robot arm unit (2) includes a force feedback mechanism in the gripper to ensure precise handling of fragile or dangerous objects, the robot arm unit (2) comprising: a shoulder joint (21) which is driven to rotary motion by a direct current motor (22); an elbow joint (23) actuated by a stepper motor (24) for precise angular positioning; a gripper (25) actuated by a second stepper motor (26) for controlled gripping and release of objects; a sensor unit (3) with: a wireless camera (31) mounted on the robot arm enables real-time video feedback; a proximity sensor (32) for detecting objects within a predefined area; a control unit (4) comprising a microcontroller configured to that it processes movement commands for the robot arm unit (2) and the mobility unit (1), wherein the control unit (4) contains a machine learning-based object recognition module that enables the robot arm to autonomously classify and interact with detected objects, wherein a vibration-based warning unit (41) within the control unit (4) notifies the operator when the robot arm encounters resistance or an unexpected obstacle; a wireless communication unit (5) configured to receive operator commands and send real-time feedback.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a wireless bomb disposal and monitoring system. More specifically, the invention relates to a remotely controlled robotic system equipped with a mobility unit, a robot arm, a sensor unit, a control unit, and a wireless communication system to ensure safe and effective bomb disposal and monitoring operations. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The subject matter discussed in the "Background" section should not be assumed to be prior art merely by virtue of its mention in the "Background" section. Likewise, it should not be assumed that a problem mentioned in the Background section or related to the subject matter of the Background section has already been recognized in the prior art. The subject matter of the Background section merely presents various approaches, which may also be inventions in their own right.

[0003] Bomb disposal and surveillance operations are critical to ensuring public safety. Conventional methods pose high risks to human personnel due to the unpredictability of explosive devices and the limitations of existing disposal techniques. Conventional bomb disposal robots often suffer from poor maneuverability, delayed reaction times, and limited sensory capabilities, making them less effective in complex scenarios.

[0004] Previous inventions have attempted to address these challenges by incorporating robotic arms with limited mobility, simple wireless communication modules, and rudimentary vision systems. However, these systems often lack the adaptive control, real-time object detection, and force feedback mechanisms critical for precise handling of hazardous materials. Furthermore, most conventional systems rely on fixed-path navigation, making them unsuitable for dynamic and confined environments.

[0005] The present invention addresses these limitations by introducing a wireless bomb disposal and monitoring system equipped with advanced omnidirectional maneuverability, real-time force feedback for precise object handling, machine learning-guided object detection, and an enhanced wireless communication system for safe and trouble-free remote operation. By integrating these advanced features, the system significantly improves operational efficiency, safety, and reliability in bomb disposal and monitoring.

[0006] The information disclosed in this Background section is provided solely for the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the background of the invention and may therefore contain information that is not prior art and that is already known to a person skilled in the art in this country. SUMMARY

[0007] Before describing the present systems and methods, it should be noted that this application is not limited to the systems and methods described, as there may be several possible embodiments not expressly shown in this disclosure. It should also be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular versions or embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present application.

[0008] The present invention provides a wireless bomb disposal and monitoring system that can be remotely controlled for handling dangerous and explosive objects with minimal human intervention.

[0009] The system comprises a mobility unit equipped with a chassis mounted on at least two wheels for remote navigation. The mobility unit includes an omnidirectional wheel assembly that enables improved maneuverability in constrained environments.

[0010] Mounted on the chassis is a robot arm unit featuring a force feedback mechanism in the gripper to ensure precise handling of fragile or dangerous objects. The robot arm unit consists of a shoulder joint actuated by a DC motor for rotational movement, an elbow joint actuated by a stepper motor for precise angular positioning, and a gripper actuated by a second stepper motor for controlled grasping and releasing of objects.

[0011] The system includes a sensor unit that includes a wireless camera mounted on the robot arm for real-time video feedback and a proximity sensor for detecting objects within a predefined area.

[0012] The control unit includes a microcontroller configured to process motion commands for the robot arm unit and the mobility unit. It also contains a machine learning-based object detection module that enables the robot arm to independently classify and interact with detected objects. Furthermore, a vibration-based warning unit is included that notifies the operator when the robot arm encounters resistance or an unexpected obstacle.

[0013] A wireless communication unit is configured to receive operator commands and send real-time feedback to ensure safe and trouble-free operation over long distances. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0014] To clarify various aspects of some embodiments of the present invention, a more detailed description of the invention will be given by reference to specific embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is understood that these drawings show only illustrative embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings.

[0015] In order that the advantages of the present invention may be readily understood, a detailed description of the invention is discussed below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which, however, should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. shows a block diagram of the wireless bomb disposal and monitoring system (100) for safe and remotely controlled neutralization of hazards. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The present invention relates to a wireless bomb disposal and monitoring system (100) for safe and remotely controlled neutralization of threats.

[0017] Fig. shows a block diagram of the wireless bomb disposal and monitoring system (100) for safe and remotely controlled neutralization of hazards.

[0018] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to its various components and their functionalities.

[0019] The mobility unit (1) consists of a chassis mounted on at least two wheels for remote-controlled movement. It is designed to enable easy navigation in various areas ( ) and ensure stability even in harsh environments. The omnidirectional wheel arrangement enables smooth, multidirectional movement, allowing the system to operate efficiently in tight and complex spaces.

[0020] Additionally, the mobility unit (1) is equipped with an ultrasonic obstacle detection system that continuously scans the environment for potential obstacles. This system enables the mobility unit to autonomously adjust its movement, avoid collisions, and ensure smooth operation in hazardous locations.

[0021] The robotic arm (2) was designed to manipulate objects with high precision, thus minimizing the risks of bomb disposal. It consists of multiple joints that enable flexible and precise movements.

[0022] The shoulder joint (21) is driven by a DC motor (22), which provides a rotary movement and thus ensures a large range of motion.

[0023] The elbow joint (23) is driven by a stepper motor (24), which enables precise angular positioning and stability when handling objects.

[0024] The gripper (25) is driven by a second stepper motor (26), which enables controlled gripping and release of objects with adjustable pressure.

[0025] A key feature of the robot arm (2) is the force feedback mechanism, which helps avoid excessive force when handling fragile or dangerous objects. This mechanism ensures safe and reliable manipulation by dynamically adjusting the gripping force based on resistance feedback. This is particularly useful in bomb disposal, where excessive pressure could lead to detonation.

[0026] The sensor unit (3) provides important real-time feedback to the operator and enhances the system's autonomous capabilities. It consists of several sensors designed for object detection and environmental perception.

[0027] The wireless camera (31) is mounted on the robot arm and provides the operator with high-resolution, real-time video feedback. This ensures accurate monitoring and precise control of the system.

[0028] The proximity sensor (32) detects objects within a predefined area and helps the robot arm to detect obstacles and adjust its movements accordingly.

[0029] The infrared thermal imaging camera (33) improves visibility in low-light conditions by detecting heat signatures. This feature is especially useful for detecting concealed explosive devices, unauthorized human presence, or hidden threats in dark environments.

[0030] The control unit (4) is the central processing component of the system, responsible for executing commands, processing sensor data, and managing various operations. It provides seamless control of the mobility unit and the robot arm, ensuring efficient and precise handling of hazardous objects.

[0031] The microcontroller (4) embedded in the control unit processes the movement commands for both the robot arm and the mobility unit. It ensures precise execution of operator inputs while enabling semi-autonomous functions.

[0032] A machine learning-based object recognition module is integrated into the control unit. This module enables the system to detect various types of objects, including potential explosive devices, and adapt its handling techniques accordingly. The machine learning algorithm is trained on a comprehensive dataset to recognize shapes, materials, and potential threats, thus improving decision-making during critical missions.

[0033] The vibration-based warning unit (41) provides feedback to the operator. If the robot arm encounters resistance, an unexpected obstacle, or hazardous material, the warning unit generates a vibration signal to notify the operator and ensure immediate corrective action.

[0034] The control unit (4) also features an energy-efficient power management system that optimizes battery usage and extends operating time. This system dynamically regulates power distribution, prioritizing critical functions while conserving energy for longer field operations.

[0035] The wireless communication unit (5) is a critical component that enables real-time interaction between the operator and the system. It ensures secure and interference-free transmission of control commands and sensor feedback, enabling seamless remote operation.

[0036] The system (100) uses an NRF24L01 transmitter and receiver module, which provides encrypted long-range communication. This module is designed for interference-free, low-latency operation, ensuring reliable performance even in challenging environments.

[0037] The communication unit (5) also supports multiple frequency channels, reducing the risk of signal interference and ensuring safe operation in sensitive areas.

[0038] Real-time data transmission provides the operator with immediate feedback from the sensor unit, including video feeds, proximity warnings, and thermal imaging data, facilitating informed decision-making. ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION • Increased safety: The system minimizes human exposure in hazardous environments. • Improved maneuverability: The omnidirectional wheels enable seamless navigation in tight spaces. • High-precision handling: The force feedback mechanism of the robot arm ensures safe and precise handling of objects. • Real-time feedback: The wireless camera and sensors provide the operator with important data. • Autonomous object detection: The machine learning module improves the efficiency of object detection and handling. • Secure communication: The NRF24L01 module ensures trouble-free, encrypted communication. • Optimized energy use: The energy-efficient management system extends operating time.

Claims

[1] A wireless bomb disposal and monitoring system (100) comprising: a mobility unit (1) having a chassis mounted on at least two wheels for remote navigation, the mobility unit (1) having an omnidirectional wheel arrangement for improved maneuverability in restricted environments; a robot arm unit (2) mounted on the chassis, the robot arm unit (2) including a force feedback mechanism in the gripper to ensure precise handling of fragile or dangerous objects, the robot arm unit (2) comprising: a shoulder joint (21) driven by a DC motor (22) for rotational movement; an elbow joint (23) actuated by a stepper motor (24) for precise angular positioning; a gripper (25) actuated by a second stepper motor (26) for the controlled gripping and release of objects; a sensor unit (3) with: a wireless camera (31) mounted on the robot arm enables real-time video feedback; a proximity sensor (32) for detecting objects within a predefined area; a control unit (4) comprising a microcontroller configured to that it processes movement commands for the robot arm unit (2) and the mobility unit (1), wherein the control unit (4) contains a machine learning-based object recognition module that enables the robot arm to autonomously classify and interact with detected objects. wherein a vibration-based warning unit (41) within the control unit (4) notifies the operator when the robot arm encounters resistance or an unexpected obstacle; a wireless communication unit (5) configured to receive operator commands and send real-time feedback. [2] The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the sensor unit (3) further comprises an infrared thermal imaging camera (33) for heat-based object detection and improved visibility in low-light conditions. [3] The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the wireless communication unit (5) is configured with an NRF24L01 transmit and receive module that ensures encrypted and interference-free communication over long distances. [4] The system (100) of claim 1 further comprises a vibration-based warning unit (41) within the control unit (4) to notify the operator when the robot arm encounters resistance or an unexpected obstacle. [5] The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the mobility unit (1) is integrated with an ultrasonic obstacle detection system (100) to autonomously navigate around obstacles. [6] The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the control unit (4) includes an energy-efficient power management system (100) that optimizes battery consumption for longer operating time.

Images