Crawler Ceiling Vehicle Coupling for Precise Overhead Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicles designed for traveling on or along structures, particularly ceilings, lack the ability to provide reliable and accurate positioning and motion, especially in complex or unpredictable environments, and often require predefined paths, limiting their flexibility and adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A crawler type ceiling vehicle equipped with suspension elements and drive units that allow for decoupling and coupling with a structure's circumferential tracks, enabling flexible motion in two or three dimensions, using form-fit mechanisms like wheels or profiles to engage with the structure, allowing for precise positioning and motion without requiring predefined paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetic adhesion is used for contact with the structure, then the vehicle can operate in inaccessible areas, but the positioning accuracy and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces magnetic adhesion with a mechanical form-fit coupling system. The suspension elements feature geometric coupling interfaces that mechanically engage with corresponding structures, providing reliable contact and precise positioning through physical interlocking rather than magnetic forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces suspension elements as intermediary components between the vehicle and the structure. These elements include coupling interfaces that mediate the interaction, enabling both reliable contact and accurate positioning through their geometric design and controlled degrees of freedom.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle follows predefined paths, then the motion is controlled and reliable, but the adaptability to complex structures is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic suspension system where the coupling interfaces can adapt their configuration based on the structure geometry. The suspension elements can adjust their positions and orientations while maintaining reliable mechanical engagement, enabling the vehicle to navigate complex three-dimensional structures without predefined paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle uses multiple independent suspension elements that can individually adapt to different structural features. This segmentation allows each element to independently engage with the structure, providing both adaptability to various geometries and reliable motion control through the collective action of multiple elements.
3Measurement precision
If overhead crane systems are used for ceiling travel, then the vehicle can move along ceiling structures, but the positioning precision and flexibility are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension elements serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide mechanical coupling, enable precise positioning, and allow flexible adaptation to different structures. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate positioning mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while achieving high positioning precision.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides for a crawler type ceiling vehicle (10) configured for traveling in a suspended manner especially headlong at a ceiling structure (1), wherein the vehicle exhibits a plurality of suspension elements (13, 13b) configured for suspending the vehicle and configured for coupling the vehicle to the structure (1), and at least one drive unit (11, 11a, 11b, 11c) configured for circumferential driving motion and accommodating a first circumferential track and a second circumferential track having a different circumferential shape/contour than the first circumferential track. The present invention provides for a method of driving a crawler type vehicle for traveling in a suspended manner especially headlong at a structure (1).