Deployable Robotic Arm Mount for Fast Stable NDT Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic arm mounting systems for nondestructive testing are cumbersome, unstable, and require extensive setup, often necessitating transportation of specimens to testing facilities, which is time-consuming and risky, and they lack the ability to securely attach and detach on various surfaces without damaging the specimen.
Innovation Solution
A deployable robotic arm mount with retractable legs and suction cups that can fold into a compact configuration for easy transportation and unfold for stable attachment to different surfaces, providing a secure and stable platform for robotic arms to perform nondestructive testing on-site without damaging the specimen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional robotic arm mounting systems are used, then the robotic arm can be securely mounted, but the system becomes cumbersome and requires extensive setup time
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from a static, fixed structure to a dynamic, deployable structure. The legs can be extended and retracted, and the suction cups can be activated or deactivated, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on whether it is in transport mode or operational mode. This dynamic capability enables rapid deployment without extensive setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: legs for support, suction cups for attachment, and a base for mounting the robotic arm. This segmentation allows each component to be independently controlled and deployed, reducing the overall setup time while maintaining secure mounting when all components are engaged.
2Ease of operation
If the mounting system is made portable and foldable, then transportation becomes easier, but stability during operation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes its structural configuration between transport and operational states. During transport, the legs are retracted and folded against the base, creating a compact profile. During operation, the legs are extended to provide stable support, and suction cups are activated to secure the mounting system to the surface, thereby achieving both portability and stability at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The legs are designed to fold and nest against the base when not in use, creating a compact configuration for easy transportation. When deployment is required, the legs extend outward from the base to provide stable support, effectively transforming from a nested compact form to an extended stable form.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the robotic arm is transported to different locations for testing, then various specimens can be tested, but the risk of damage to specimens increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deployable mounting system with suction cups acts as an intermediary between the robotic arm and the various surfaces where testing needs to be performed. Instead of transporting the specimen, the mounting system adapts to different surfaces (flat, curved, inclined) and provides stable attachment, allowing the robotic arm to remain stationary while the testing environment adapts to the specimen.
4Reliability
If traditional mounting systems are used, then the robotic arm can be securely attached, but repositioning requires extensive setup and time
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is self-contained with integrated legs and suction cups that can be independently deployed and retracted. When repositioning is needed, the system can quickly release from the current surface using the suction cups, fold the legs back against the base, and be moved to a new location without requiring external assistance or extensive setup procedures.
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 rapid and secure deployment of robotic arms for nondestructive testing on-site, reducing setup time and risk of damage to the specimen, while allowing for stable scanning of complex surfaces without the need for extensive repositioning or transportation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one suction cup attached to an end of each of the plurality of legs
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to supports for robotic arms, and more specifically to portable, deployable supports for robotic arms for use in nondestructive testing. The robotic arm support of the present invention includes retractable extensions configured to collapse into a robotic arm mount. The extensions include suction cups for attachment, unattachment, and reattachment of the mount to a surface. The robotic arm mount includes a cavity into which a robotic arm is inserted and secured to conduct nondestructive testing of specimens.