Hybrid Surface-Traversing Apparatus Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote controlled devices and robotics face limitations in traversing and adhering to various surfaces, including vertical, inclined, and submerged surfaces, due to issues with suction cups losing adhesion on uneven surfaces and seal wear, which restricts their use in real-world applications.
Innovation Solution
A surface traversing apparatus using a non-flow-through pressure differential with a locomoting seal and a fluid pump to maintain adhesion and a drive system for movement, incorporating rollers and tracks for effective sealing and locomotion on diverse surfaces, including submerged environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If suction cups are used for surface adhesion, then the device can adhere to surfaces, but the suction cups lose adhesion on uneven surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into multiple independent suction cups arranged in arrays, where each cup can independently adapt to surface variations. This segmentation allows the seal to maintain adhesion on uneven surfaces while providing reliable holding force through the collective action of multiple cups.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal incorporates compliant elements and flexible mounting mechanisms that allow the suction cups to dynamically adjust their position and orientation to conform to uneven surfaces. This dynamic adaptation maintains sealing contact while preserving adhesion reliability across varying surface geometries.
2Reliability
If a fixed seal partition is dragged over the surface, then the device can maintain adhesion, but the seal experiences excessive wear
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of dragging the seal across the surface, the invention allows the seal to roll or be carried along with the device movement. The suction cups are positioned to engage the surface in a way that reduces friction and wear during traversal, inverting the traditional drag-based sealing approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical dragging of a fixed seal with a compliant, adaptable sealing system that uses suction forces to maintain adhesion. This substitution reduces mechanical wear by eliminating the sliding friction between a rigid seal and the surface.
3Productivity
If suction cups on endless tracks are used, then the device can traverse surfaces, but it requires relatively flat surfaces and has complex valving
Solution Approach 1:
The seal assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides adhesion through suction cups, enables traversal through compliant movement, and adapts to various surface types without requiring complex valving. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall system while maintaining traversal capability across diverse surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction cup array automatically adjusts its configuration and pressure distribution based on surface conditions without requiring complex external control systems. The compliant seal elements self-regulate their contact and adhesion, eliminating the need for sophisticated valving mechanisms.
4Reliability
If a large percentage of suction cups are required for adhesion, then the device can maintain holding force, but it cannot negotiate surface obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is segmented into multiple independent suction cups that can be selectively engaged or disengaged based on local surface conditions. This allows the device to maintain overall holding force while individual cups can adapt to or skip over obstacles, providing both reliability and obstacle negotiation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the seal array have different properties or configurations, allowing certain areas to provide strong adhesion while other areas are designed to accommodate or bridge over surface obstacles. This local differentiation enables the seal to maintain overall holding force while negotiating challenging surface features.
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 solution enables reliable and continuous traversal on a wide range of surfaces, including submerged conditions, with improved adhesion and reduced seal wear, expanding the applicability of remote controlled devices in industrial and scientific operations.
Implementation Method 1
A surface traversing apparatus adapted to be adhered to a surface by a non-flow-through pressure differential
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a hybrid surface traversing apparatus adapted to be adhered to a (e.g., submerged or in air) surface by a non-flow-through pressure differential, the apparatus includes a frame forming a chamber; a seal (e.g., closed-cell foam) having a closed seal perimeter (e.g., a closed polygon, a quadrilateral, and the like) defining an opening of the chamber, the seal perimeter adapted substantially for rolling relative to the chamber and for contact with the surface to be traversed to prevent leakage and maintain a non-flow-through seal with the surface; a suction pump structured and arranged to produce the (e.g., negative) pressure differential and cooperate with the seal to adhere the apparatus to the surface; and a drive configured to move the apparatus relative to the surface.