Inspection Robot Lift Mechanism for Wide-Range Height Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of multiple image acquisition devices on inspection robots to cover different height spaces increases the cost and complexity of the inspection process.
Innovation Solution
A lifting apparatus for inspection robots, comprising a mounting base, electric cylinder, side rail, supporting slide rail, and driving mechanism, which allows a single image acquisition device to achieve a large stroke and range of motion, reducing the need for multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image acquisition devices are arranged along the height direction to cover different height spaces, then the inspection range and height coverage are improved, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a movable lifting mechanism that allows a single image acquisition device to dynamically change its height position. The device can be lifted and lowered along a guide rail to cover different height spaces, replacing the need for multiple fixed devices. This dynamic repositioning capability enables one device to perform the function of multiple devices while reducing system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the dimensionality change principle by introducing the height dimension as a movable degree of freedom. Instead of having multiple devices fixed at different heights, the system uses a single device that can move along the height dimension via the lifting mechanism (electric cylinder, guide rail, sliding block). This transforms the problem from a multi-device spatial arrangement to a single-device temporal-spatial repositioning solution.
2Productivity
If multiple image acquisition devices are used to achieve image data acquisition in the height direction, then the inspection efficiency is improved, but the robot size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by combining multiple image acquisition functions into a single device that can be repositioned. Instead of having multiple devices simultaneously occupying different height positions, the system merges their functions into one device that sequentially accesses different heights through the lifting mechanism. This reduces the robot's volume while maintaining the ability to inspect multiple height levels, thereby improving inspection efficiency without increasing size.
3Device complexity
If a single image acquisition device is used, then the cost and device complexity are reduced, but the height coverage and inspection range are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a lifting mechanism (comprising electric cylinder, guide rail, and sliding block) as an intermediary system between the single image acquisition device and the inspection space. This intermediary mechanism enables the device to access different height positions, effectively extending its coverage range without requiring multiple devices. The lifting mechanism acts as a mediator that bridges the gap between the limited static position of a single device and the required multi-height inspection capability.
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 lifting apparatus enables efficient image data collection over a large range with a single device, reducing the size and cost of the inspection robot by utilizing a primary and secondary lifting mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
an electric cylinder with a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, with the first end being connected with the mounting base; a side rail, connected with the mounting base; a supporting slide rail, slidably connected with the side rail and connected with the second end of the electric cylinder, so that the electric cylinder drives the supporting slide rail to slide relative to the side rail
Implementation Method 2
a driving mechanism, mounted to the supporting slide rail; and a slide, configured to mount an image acquisition device, where the slide is connected with the driving mechanism, and the slide is slidably connected with the supporting slide rail
Data Source
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AI summary
An inspection robot and a lifting apparatus thereof. When the inspection robot (1) collects image data in a height direction of the inspection robot (1) and in a large range, this can be implemented by the lifting apparatus (13) without need to set multiple image acquisition devices (15) in an upper and down direction, which is beneficial to reduce the cost of the inspection robot (1). Moreover, in the lifting apparatus (13), a slide (143) and an image requisition device (15) mounted on the slide (143) can slide up and down relative to a supporting slide rail (133), and the supporting slide rail (133) can drive the slide (143) and the image requisition device (15) mounted on the slide (143) to slide up and down relative to a side rail (132), so that not only the slide (143) and the image acquisition device (15) mounted on the slide (143) have a large stroke, but also it is beneficial to reduce the size of the lifting apparatus, and further beneficial to reduce the cost.