ANTHOLOGICAL FRICTION CONNECTOR FOR SELF-PROPELLED DEVICES IN TUBES

Abstract

The invention relates to an anisotropic friction-generating contact assembly for a working or self-propelled device in a pipe. The contact assembly consists of a connecting body and elastic contact elements arranged around the circumference to contact the inner wall surface of the pipe. When installed in the pipe, the elastic elements are compressed radially and bent along the pipe's axis, creating a difference in friction force in two directions of axial movement. Therefore, the contact assembly assists in generating or maintaining the directed translational movement of the device in the pipe under the influence of axial vibrations or excitation forces. The contact assembly may be fabricated in the form of an elastic brush, elastic spikes, or elastic wings.

Images