Climbing Robot Motorized Rolling Supports Bracing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current solutions for deploying sensors in crisis management, such as natural disasters or security situations, face challenges with manual logistics, energy consumption, and the need for discreet, rapid, and adaptable positioning on vertical structures like poles or trees, lacking simultaneous spatial and temporal coverage with low energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

A climbing robot with motorized rolling supports and a control-command module that uses bracing to maintain position without energy consumption, allowing for quick deployment and orientation, equipped with sensors and communication systems for autonomous data collection and transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual positioning of sensors is used, then installation flexibility is improved, but deployment time and logistics complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoiddeployment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The robot autonomously climbs the vertical structure using its own motorized rolling supports and bracing mechanism, eliminating the need for manual positioning by operators. The system serves itself by integrating propulsion and positioning functions into a single autonomous unit that can deploy independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated robotic system that uses motorized rolling supports and bracing mechanisms. This substitution transforms the deployment process from labor-intensive manual operation to autonomous mechanical automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Length of stationary object

If ladders or forklifts are used for height positioning, then positioning capability is improved, but logistics requirements and deployment complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning heightVSAvoidlogistics requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The robot divides the climbing function into separate modular components: motorized rolling supports for propulsion, bracing means for stabilization, and a frame structure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system compared to bringing complex equipment like forklifts to the site.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from horizontal deployment equipment (ladders, forklifts) to vertical climbing capability. The robot moves along the vertical dimension of the structure, eliminating the need for ground-based positioning equipment and reducing logistics requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If permanent surveillance means are installed, then monitoring reliability is improved, but cost and adaptability to different sites decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring reliabilityVSAvoidsite adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static permanent installations to dynamic mobile deployment. The robot can be moved to different locations and adapted to various vertical structures, providing reliable monitoring temporarily at each site without requiring permanent infrastructure installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The robot is designed as a universal platform that can operate on different types of vertical structures (trees, poles, buildings). The sensor payload can be configured for various monitoring tasks, making the system adaptable to multiple sites and crisis scenarios without site-specific permanent installations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Stability of the object's composition

If heavy deployment means are used, then positioning stability is improved, but discretion and accessibility to sensitive sites decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning stabilityVSAvoiddiscretion requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The robot employs a lightweight frame structure with rolling supports that can conform to the surface of vertical structures. This flexible design allows the system to achieve stable positioning without heavy equipment, enabling discreet access to sensitive sites where large deployment means would be noticeable or prohibited.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

Enables efficient, rapid, and discreet deployment of sensors on various vertical structures with reduced energy consumption, providing extensive and simultaneous spatial coverage with the ability to overcome obstacles, and maintain data collection indefinitely once positioned.

Implementation Method 1

the coefficient of friction of the propelling support and the inclination of the robot with respect to the axis Oz being linked together by so as to maintain the robot in a fixed position without consuming energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2276660B1Robot for climbing posts
Publication Date: 2012.08.08 THALES SA
  • EP2276660B1 patent drawingFigure 1~1bis
  • EP2276660B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2276660B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a robot able to climb up and down a post (50) of vertical axis Oz. The robot comprises a frame (1) fitted both with motorized means of movement up and down the post and with a module (16, 17) for the command and control of these means of movement. The motorized means of movement comprises tensioning means whose centre of gravity G is remote from the axis Oz of the post (50), and that comprise at least two rolling contacts (2, 4) designed to be in contact with the post, at least one of which rolling contacts, denoted the drive contact (2), is motorized.