Contactless Surface Inspection on Multi-Oriented Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies, such as aerial drones, face challenges in inspecting and operating on multi-oriented surfaces due to limitations in navigating complex topologies, avoiding damage to delicate surfaces, and adhering to non-magnetic or vacuum-intolerant surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A device with a mechanical propulsion system and a thrust system that allows it to traverse multi-oriented surfaces while preventing contact, equipped with sensors for detecting surface characteristics and a controller for navigation and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If aerial drones are used to inspect surfaces, then inspection capability is improved, but risk of damage to the surface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical propulsion system with contactless interaction mechanism that mediates between the inspection device and the surface. The device uses magnetic fields or electrostatic forces as intermediaries to adhere to and traverse the surface without physical contact, eliminating the harmful contact that causes damage while maintaining inspection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical contact-based propulsion and inspection systems with non-contact mechanisms. Instead of wheels or crawlers that physically touch the surface, the device uses magnetic attraction, electrostatic adhesion, or aerodynamic forces to maintain position and move along the surface, substituting harmful mechanical contact with field-based interactions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If contactless traversal is implemented, then surface protection is improved, but adhesion to multi-oriented surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of thrust system orientation and contactless interaction forces to adapt to multi-oriented surfaces. The device continuously adjusts the direction and magnitude of magnetic or electrostatic forces based on real-time surface orientation detection, maintaining reliable adhesion across vertical, inverted, and angled surfaces without physical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters including the orientation of the thrust system, the strength of magnetic or electrostatic fields, and the positioning of propulsion elements to maintain effective adhesion on surfaces with varying orientations. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the device achieves reliable contactless traversal on complex multi-oriented geometries.
3Productivity
If thrust system controls direction and point of application, then adhesion efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the thrust system to perform multiple functions simultaneously: generating propulsive force, controlling adhesion strength, adjusting orientation, and stabilizing position. By making the thrust system multi-functional, the patent achieves high adhesion efficiency on multi-oriented surfaces without proportionally increasing overall device complexity, as a single integrated system handles multiple control tasks.
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 and safe inspection and operation on complex surfaces by maintaining adhesion and avoiding damage, while also allowing for autonomous operation and efficient energy use.
Implementation Method 1
a thrust system to apply a thrust force to the device that opposes a gravitational force acting on the device
Implementation Method 2
a mechanical propulsion system affixed to the body to cause the body to traverse a multi-oriented surface and to prevent contact between the body and the multi-oriented surface
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2f
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AI summary
According to certain embodiments, a device (100) comprises a body (101), a mechanical propulsion system (102) affixed to the body (101) to cause the body (101) to traverse a multi-oriented surface (120) and to prevent contact between the body (101) and the multi-oriented surface (120), a thrust system (104) to apply a thrust force to the device (100) that opposes a gravitational force acting on the device (100), and a payload (105) with at least one sensor to detect characteristics of the multi-oriented surface (120).