Elastic Crawler and Cushion for Curved Wall Travel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wall surface suction-type travel devices are unable to effectively navigate curved wall surfaces while maintaining suction, due to limitations in grip and flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A wall surface suction-type travel device is designed with an elastically deformable crawler and cushion system, where the crawler has a grip surface and a slide surface positioned relative to each other to ensure reliable adhesion and smooth movement on curved surfaces, and a separate suction device reduces weight and enhances flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the device uses a rigid structure for stability, then it can maintain suction on flat surfaces, but it cannot adapt to curved wall surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to curved surfacesVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible components including a bladder that can deform to conform to curved surfaces, and a crawler with elastic properties that can bend and adapt to surface geometry. These flexible elements allow the device to maintain contact and suction on both flat and curved walls while preserving structural integrity through controlled deformation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates movable and deformable parts such as the bladder that can expand and contract, and the crawler that can change shape during movement. This dynamic capability allows the structure to adapt to curved surfaces while maintaining stability through active adjustment rather than rigid fixation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Force

If the device increases grip force on the wall surface, then it can maintain suction better, but it increases friction and reduces movement smoothness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrip forceVSAvoidmovement smoothness

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes vibration mechanisms to reduce friction between the crawler and the wall surface during movement. The vibration allows the crawler to overcome static friction more easily and move smoothly while maintaining adequate grip force through the elastic deformation of the crawler material

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The device changes the physical parameters of the gripping surface by using an elastically deformable crawler that can alter its contact characteristics. The crawler's elasticity allows it to increase grip force when needed while reducing friction during movement through controlled deformation and recovery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Force

If the device uses a heavy structure for stability, then it can maintain suction force, but it reduces flexibility and ability to navigate curved surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuction forceVSAvoidflexibility on curved surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses flexible components like the bladder and crawler that can deform to adapt to curved surfaces. These flexible elements are designed to maintain adequate suction force through their elastic properties and contact area, eliminating the need for heavy rigid structures while preserving adaptability to various wall geometries

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

The device can travel on both flat and curved wall surfaces with increased grip force and smoothness, avoiding unevenness and maintaining suction with reduced weight and improved propulsion.

Implementation Method 1

a wall surface suction-type travel device configured to travel on a wall surface while being suctioned on the wall surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

a cushion disposed on the wall-surface facing section of the main body and surrounding an edge of the draw-in port, the cushion being elastically deformable

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

a crawler that is an endless belt suspended on the plurality of support wheels, the crawler having a grip surface put into contact with the wall surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10960945B2Device capable of traveling on wall surface while adhering thereto

Publication Date: 2021.03.30 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A wall surface suction-type travel device includes a main body, a cushion, a plurality of support wheels, a crawler, and a drive source. The main body includes a wall-surface facing section and a draw-in port. The cushion is disposed on the wall-surface facing section of the main body and surrounding an edge of the draw-in port. The cushion is elastically deformable and has a slide surface sliding on the wall surface when the wall surface suction-type travel device travels on the wall surface. The plurality of support wheels are disposed on the main body. The crawler is an endless belt suspended on the plurality of the support wheels. The crawler has a grip surface put into contact with the wall surface when the wall surface suction-type travel device travels on the wall surface. The drive source is to rotate the crawler.