Modular Hull Inspection Robot with Separated Power Stage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile robots for hull detection and repair face limitations such as reduced energy efficiency due to integrated power and driving units, limited mobility, inability to handle curved surfaces, and restricted applications, especially in accident scenarios where they cannot autonomously search and repair damages on ship hulls.
Innovation Solution
A modular design comprising a mobile robot unit with motor-driven wheels and electromagnets for surface attachment, and a separate stage unit with a rechargeable battery and connection line for power transmission, allowing the robot to move freely and efficiently on curved surfaces, and perform detection and repair tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If power supply and driving unit are integrally formed in conventional mobile robots, then the robot structure is simplified, but energy efficiency decreases due to increased weight
Solution Approach 1:
The robot system is divided into two independent modules: a mobile robot unit for movement and detection, and a stage unit for power supply and repair operations. This segmentation allows the mobile robot to have reduced weight and improved energy efficiency while the stage unit provides substantial power capacity for extended operations.
2Power
If conventional robots use cables for power transmission between main controller and robot, then power can be supplied externally, but robot movability is significantly limited due to cable length and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply function is extracted from the mobile robot unit and placed in the separate stage unit. The mobile robot operates independently with its own battery, while the stage unit serves as a docking station for recharging and power transfer, eliminating cable constraints during movement.
Solution Approach 2:
A wireless power transmission system acts as an intermediary between the stage unit and mobile robot unit, enabling power transfer without physical cable connections. This allows the mobile robot to move freely while maintaining power supply capability through the docking interface.
3Productivity
If conventional robots are designed for specific equipment mounted thereon, then they can execute specified missions, but availability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile robot unit is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple functions including detection, repair operations, and rescue missions. The stage unit serves as a multi-functional docking station that can recharge the robot, transfer power, and provide communication relay, making the system adaptable to various mission requirements.
4Ease of operation
If conventional robots employ manual control system, then they can be controlled by main controller, but it is difficult to automatically search destination and move thereto
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile robot unit is equipped with autonomous navigation capabilities including sensors, processors, and communication systems that enable it to independently search for destinations, navigate to repair locations, and return to the stage unit for recharging without continuous manual control. The robot can autonomously detect damages and navigate to affected areas.
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 modular design enhances energy efficiency, increases mobility, and enables longer operation times by separating power supply from the mobile robot unit, allowing it to autonomously navigate and repair hull damages, including on curved surfaces, while reducing weight and improving safety by minimizing human exposure to hazardous areas.
Implementation Method 1
at least one robot electromagnet and adsorption module mounted on each of the frames, and is configured to be attached to the hull through the robot electromagnet
Implementation Method 2
move or stop on a surface of the hull by the drive wheels
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a mobile robot for detecting and repairing damages of a hull, including: a mobile robot unit which includes at least one frame to which motor-driven drive wheels are installed, frame connectors which flexibly connect the frames with each other, and at least one robot electromagnet and adsorption module mounted on each of the frames, and is configured to be attached to the hull through the robot electromagnet so as to move or stop on a surface of the hull by the drive wheels; a stage unit which includes a rechargeable battery mounted therein to supply power to the mobile robot unit, and a docking module provided to dock with or separate from the mobile robot unit; and a connection line configured to be wound or unwound while receiving tension controlled by the stage unit, and electrically connected between the mobile robot unit and the stage unit.