Cable-Climbing Robot Using Ducted Thrusters to Protect Cables

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cable-climbing robots cause damage to cables due to frequent attachment and low climbing speed, affecting inspection efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A cable-climbing robot with a split structure comprising a climbing precursor and an inspection body, utilizing ducted thrusters for climbing power and a traction mechanism for the inspection body, reducing direct cable contact and reliance on surface friction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cable-climbing robots use climbing mechanisms such as climbing wheels or crawler belts to apply pressure to the cable for attachment, then the robot can climb along the cable and inspect it, but the frequent attachment and detachment cause damages to the cable surface and reduce climbing speed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable surface integrityVSAvoidclimbing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical climbing mechanisms (climbing wheels, crawler belts) with a magnetic attachment system. The climbing robot uses magnetic attraction forces to attach to and move along the cable, eliminating the need for mechanical pressure and friction-based climbing. This substitution reduces cable surface damage while enabling faster climbing speeds, as the magnetic system can rapidly attach and detach without mechanical wear or surface degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If cable-climbing robots apply pressure to the cable using climbing mechanisms, then the robot can attach to the cable, but the attachment pressure causes damages to the cable surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment capabilityVSAvoidcable surface damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical pressure-based attachment with magnetic field-based attachment. The climbing robot generates magnetic attraction forces that enable secure attachment to the cable without applying mechanical pressure that could damage the cable surface. The magnetic field penetrates the cable material to create attachment forces, eliminating contact stress and surface degradation while maintaining reliable attachment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the climbing robot and the cable. Instead of direct mechanical contact and pressure, the magnetic field serves as the mediating force that enables attachment. This intermediary approach allows the robot to attach to the cable through magnetic attraction without the harmful mechanical pressure that would otherwise damage the cable surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If cable-climbing robots rely on surface friction for climbing, then the robot can attach to the cable, but the climbing speed is low and inspection efficiency is seriously influenced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment stabilityVSAvoidinspection efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces friction-based climbing with magnetic field-based movement. The climbing robot uses magnetic attraction and repulsion forces to propel itself along the cable, eliminating the need for friction-based propulsion. This allows for much faster climbing speeds since the magnetic system can rapidly accelerate and decelerate without being constrained by friction limits, thereby significantly improving inspection efficiency while maintaining stable attachment through magnetic forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The robot minimizes cable damage and enhances climbing speed by using ducted thrusters and a traction mechanism, allowing rapid and efficient cable inspection.

Implementation Method 1

a climbing precursor (100) comprising a precursor rack (110), ducted thrusters (120), a precursor clasping unit (130)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThrust: Rocket

Implementation Method 2

the body guide wheel (220) is rotatably mounted on the body frame (210), and is in contact with a surface of the cable (900) in a rollable manner

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRolling friction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12473700B2Cable-climbing robot

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 SHENZHEN INST OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE & ROBOTICS FOR SOC

AI summary

A cable climbing robot includes a climbing front body and a detection body. The climbing front body includes a front body rack, duct propellers, a front body clasping unit and a front body control module, the duct propellers are mounted on the outer side of the front body rack; the front body clasping unit includes a front body clasping electric motor, a front body clasping transmission component and a front body clasping member; the front body clasping electric motor is fixedly mounted on the front body rack, and the front body clasping electric motor drives the front body clasping member via the front body clasping transmission component; the front body control module is mounted on the front body rack, and the front body control module is electrically connected to the duct propellers and the clasping electric motor.