Configurable Interface Plates for Modular Inspection Robots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inspection systems for industrial surfaces face challenges such as hazardous environments, incomplete inspections, human error, and the need for system shutdowns, due to their inability to efficiently and safely access and assess surfaces in confined, high-risk areas.
Innovation Solution
A modular inspection robot with interchangeable drive assemblies and payloads, equipped with universal connectors for sensor configurations and cooling systems, allowing for improved environmental capabilities and the generation of interactive inspection maps, enabling safe and thorough surface inspections in hostile environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If personnel manually inspect industrial surfaces in hazardous environments, then inspection can be performed, but safety risks increase and human error occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces human inspectors with a robotic system that copies human inspection functions. The robot is equipped with sensors, cameras, and analytical tools that replicate human sensory and analytical capabilities, allowing it to perform inspections in hazardous environments without exposing personnel to risks while maintaining or improving inspection accuracy through consistent, objective data collection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical human inspection processes with an automated robotic system. The robot uses mechanical components for navigation, sensors for detection, and automated analysis systems for evaluation, replacing the manual mechanical actions of human inspectors with programmable mechanical systems that eliminate human error and safety risks
2Adaptability or versatility
If inspection systems use fixed sensor configurations, then system complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different inspection surfaces decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the inspection system into modular sensor units that can be independently configured and attached to the robot. Each sensor module is a separate, self-contained unit with standardized interfaces, allowing flexible assembly for different inspection tasks without redesigning the entire system, thus achieving adaptability while managing complexity through standardization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universal connectors and standardized mounting interfaces that allow the same robot platform to accommodate multiple types of sensors and inspection tools. This multi-functional design enables a single system to perform various inspection tasks across different surfaces by simply changing sensor modules, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If drive assemblies are customized for different surfaces, then inspection capability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs drive assemblies with adjustable and reconfigurable characteristics. The drive units can dynamically adapt their parameters such as wheel diameter, tread pattern, or magnetic strength based on the inspection surface requirements. This dynamic adjustability allows a single drive assembly design to serve multiple surface types, improving capability while avoiding the complexity of maintaining multiple fixed designs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes drive assemblies where key parameters can be changed or adjusted to match different inspection surfaces. This may include adjustable wheel configurations, variable magnetic field strengths, or modifiable traction characteristics, allowing the same physical hardware to optimize its performance for different surfaces through parameter modification rather than physical redesign
Data Source
AI summary
Inspection robots with configurable interface plates are described. An example inspection robot may have a housing with at least three removable interface plates, each removable interface plate having a coupling interface for an electronic component on a first side, and coupled to at least one of a plurality of electronic boards on a second side. The example inspection robot may further include a drive module configured to couple to at least one of the removable interface plates, and a payload configured to couple to at least one of the removable interface plates. The example inspection robot may further include a means for operating the inspection robot in response to the drive module coupled to one of the removable interface plates, and the payload coupled to any other one of the removable interface plates.