Magnetic Crawler Structure for Strong Adhesion on Uneven Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inspection devices for bridges and generators have complex structures, large sizes, reduced magnetic attraction due to indirect magnet placement, and are prone to vibration on uneven surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A magnetically-attracting crawler moving device with a lightweight, low-height design using magnets and yokes to concentrate magnetic flux, combined with a crawler belt that runs on a non-magnetic guide, suppressing vibration and allowing travel on uneven surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If magnets are placed indirectly facing the wall through the traveling belt, then the device structure is simplified, but the magnetic attraction force to the wall is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetic flux concentration structure (yoke) as an intermediary between the magnets and the wall. The yoke concentrates and directs the magnetic flux toward the wall surface, ensuring strong magnetic attraction while allowing the magnets to be positioned indirectly behind the traveling belt, thus resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and magnetic force strength.
2Force
If the traveling belt is made of multiple magnets attracted to the whole surfaces, then magnetic attraction is improved, but the device structure becomes complicated and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the magnetic function from the traveling belt itself and places it in a separate, dedicated magnetic attraction mechanism (magnets + yoke structure). This allows the traveling belt to be a simple mechanical component while the magnetic attraction system provides the necessary holding force, significantly reducing overall device complexity and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the device into distinct functional modules: the traveling belt for mechanical movement and the separate magnet-yoke assembly for magnetic attraction. This modular segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining effective magnetic attraction force.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a plate is disposed between magnets and traveling belt to suppress vibration, then vibration on uneven surfaces is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vibration suppression function into the existing magnetic attraction mechanism by using the magnetic force itself to dampen vibrations. The strong magnetic field creates a stabilizing effect on the traveling belt and surrounding components, reducing vibration without requiring additional mechanical damping elements or plates.
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 provides strong magnetic attraction, suppresses vibration, and maintains a compact structure, enabling inspection in narrow spaces and varied directions, suitable for bridge and generator checks.
Implementation Method 1
a source device of magnetic force made of a magnet or a pair of opposite polarity magnets
Implementation Method 2
a yoke disposed in contact with the magnet or a pair of one yoke and other yoke disposed in contact with the magnet or the pair of magnets
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4C
AI summary
A magnetically-attracting crawler moving device (100) has a magnetically-attracting traveling mechanism (10) including a source device of magnetic force (3) provided with a pair of magnets (1) and a yoke (2) disposed on the backside of the magnets or behind the magnet; a crawler belt (4) rotationally running with drive portion thereof in non-contact with the source device of magnetic force (3); and a guide (5) in contact with the pair of magnets (1) and the yoke (2) and on which surface the crawler belt (4) slides, wherein the drive portion of the crawler belt (4) protrudes from the source device of magnetic force (3) and the guide (5) to travel.