Throwable Robot Magnetic Key Lock for Sealed Enable Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing throwable robots used in military and policing operations lack reliable and secure enable-disable mechanisms, particularly in rugged and hostile environments.
Innovation Solution
A tamper-resistant and environmentally-sealed mechanism using a pair of axially aligned drive wheels, a housing with a key holding portion, and a magnetic field sensor to detect the presence of a key member, allowing for secure enable/disable functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional enable-disable switch mechanism is used in throwable robots, then the device can be controlled to enable or disable functions, but the system becomes vulnerable to tampering and environmental damage in rugged conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical enable-disable switches with a magnetic field-based detection system. Magnets are positioned within the housing, and a magnetic field sensor detects their presence or absence to control device functionality. This eliminates mechanical wear and tampering vulnerabilities while maintaining reliable control in rugged environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the physical key/member and the control system. Instead of direct mechanical contact, the magnetic field transmits the enable/disable signal through the housing wall, providing environmental sealing while maintaining control functionality.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the housing is completely sealed to protect internal components, then environmental resistance improves, but detecting the presence of ferromagnetic components becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses magnetic field sensing instead of mechanical or optical detection methods to identify the presence of ferromagnetic key members. The magnetic field penetrates the sealed housing wall, allowing detection without compromising the seal integrity or requiring openings in the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from mechanical presence or optical visibility to magnetic field interaction. By measuring changes in magnetic field strength or distortion caused by ferromagnetic materials, the system can detect key members through the sealed housing wall.
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 provides a robust, reliable, and secure control system for throwable robots, enabling them to withstand rugged conditions and ensuring secure operation in hostile environments.
Implementation Method 1
The magnets may provide a magnetic flux field
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic field sensor may comprise, for example, a Hall effect sensor
Implementation Method 3
the key member comprises a material with a relative electromagnetic permeability greater than five hundred so that the magnetic flux field produced by the magnets changes when the key member is disposed in the key holding slot
Data Source
AI summary
A two wheeled throwable robot comprises an elongate chassis with two ends, a motor at each end, drive wheels connected to the motors, and a tail extending from the elongate chassis. The throwable robot includes an enable/disable arrangement comprising a pair of magnets generating a magnetic field and a magnetic field sensor positioned in proximity to the pair of magnets. The sensor is activated upon the occurrence of a specific modification of the magnetic field. The throwable robot may include a key member formed of a material to modify the magnetic field to enable the robot.