Aerial Robot Side-by-Side Manipulators for Dexterity and Load Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerial robotic systems face limitations in dexterity and load capacity, requiring human intervention for tasks like tool changing and waste removal, and struggle with maintaining safe distances in electrified environments.
Innovation Solution
A robot system with a robot unit and auxiliary arm in a side-by-side configuration, equipped with sensors and processors to maintain safe distances and automate tool exchange and waste disposal, allowing operations to be performed entirely in the aerial environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If high-dexterity manipulators are used, then dexterity is improved, but load capacity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the manipulator function into two separate arms: a high-dexterity robot unit with multiple degrees of freedom for precise positioning, and a high-capacity auxiliary arm for load-bearing and tool handling. This segmentation allows each arm to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines two distinct manipulator systems (robot unit and auxiliary arm) into a single integrated aerial robotic system, allowing them to work cooperatively to achieve both high dexterity and high load capacity that neither arm could achieve alone.
2Force
If high-capacity manipulators are used, then load capacity is improved, but dexterity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the manipulator function into two separate arms: a high-dexterity robot unit with multiple degrees of freedom for precise positioning, and a high-capacity auxiliary arm for load-bearing and tool handling. This segmentation allows each arm to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.
3Productivity
If automated tool exchange and waste removal systems are added, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot system performs its own tool exchange and waste removal operations autonomously without requiring human intervention. The auxiliary arm automatically handles tool changes and waste disposal, allowing the system to service itself during aerial operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes automated mechanisms for discarding waste materials and recovering tools during aerial operations. The auxiliary arm facilitates automatic waste removal and tool exchange, enabling continuous operation without returning to ground for these tasks.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple manipulators are used to perform work in tight spaces, then task capability is improved, but maintaining minimum distances from electrified components becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from vertical stacking of manipulators to a horizontal side-by-side configuration. This dimensional change reduces the vertical profile and allows both manipulators to operate in tight horizontal spaces while maintaining safer distances from electrified components above.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for performing a task in an aerial work environment by a robot system are described herein. An aerial robot system may be provided at a boom tip of an aerial device for performing work on aerial power/telecommunication systems. The aerial robot system may comprise manipulators including one or more robot unit manipulators and one or more auxiliary arms provided in a side-by-side configuration. The side-by-side configuration reduces a vertical profile of the aerial robot system over standard systems providing methods for accessing all points on standard aerial work environments. Furthermore, the aerial robot system may be configured to provide all necessary tools and replacements parts as well as storage for removal of parts in the aerial work environment. Aerial tasks may be performed by an operator, autonomously, or a combination of manual and autonomous.