Autonomous Assembly Traversing Elevated Windows via Segmented Tread Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional autonomous self-driving assemblies lack the capability to navigate through elevated windows, which poses a challenge for accessing adjacent rooms or performing applications in confined areas with variable space dimensions.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous self-driving assembly equipped with a linear rail mechanism and tread units, along with securing extensions, allows it to balance and pass through elevated windows by sliding the trailing tread unit along the rail and securing itself to the window edge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional autonomous self-driving assembly is used, then it can navigate through narrow passageways, but it cannot reach or pass through elevated windows to access adjacent rooms
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly is divided into multiple tread units (first tread unit, second tread unit) that can operate independently yet cooperatively. The first tread unit reaches the elevated window while the second tread unit follows, with each unit capable of independent movement along the linear rail mechanism. This segmentation allows the assembly to overcome the elevation barrier that would be insurmountable for a single-unit assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear rail mechanism serves as an intermediary structure between the tread units and the elevated window. It provides a guided path that enables the tread units to reach and traverse the elevated window opening. The rail mechanism mediates the complex coordination required for the tread units to move in sequence, transforming an otherwise intractable navigation problem into a manageable process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a smaller narrow self-driving assembly is used to navigate variable spaces, then it can move through narrow passageways, but it lacks the ability to self-brace or anchor in larger rooms for performing applications
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly uses multiple tread units that can be positioned at different locations and orientations. When anchoring is needed, certain tread units can engage with surrounding structures while others remain free to perform applications. This segmented configuration allows the assembly to create stable anchor points without requiring the entire assembly to be large or rigid.
Solution Approach 2:
The tread units are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as propulsion mechanisms for navigation and as anchoring points when needed. The same tread units that enable movement through narrow passageways and elevated windows can also engage with surfaces to provide stable bracing for application tools, eliminating the need for separate anchoring systems.
3Stability of the object's composition
If tread units are coupled rigidly to maintain stability, then balance is improved, but the ability to adapt to elevated window geometry and secure to edges is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling between tread units transitions from rigid to flexible as needed. During navigation, the tread units maintain stable relative positioning. When approaching the elevated window, the coupling allows flexible adjustment of angles and positions to match the window geometry. The securing extensions can engage with window edges while the tread units maintain their dynamic ability to adjust to various configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly changes its geometric parameters (angles, distances, orientations) of the tread units relative to each other based on the task at hand. For stable transport, the parameters maintain fixed relationships. For engaging with elevated windows, the parameters become variable, allowing the tread units to conform to different window geometries and edge configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-driving assembly capable of traversing an elevated window. The elevated narrow space window may be present within a confined area, for example, at a wall separating different wide space rooms. The assembly is configured to carry out unique techniques for gaining access to the window from a floor level location. Further, in addition to gaining access unique stabilizing features may be employed both in terms of physical security at an edge defining the window as well as in the form of maintaining balance through unique control over mass transfer when secured at the window.