Modular Inspection Robot Configuration for Hazardous Surface Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inspection and treatment systems for industrial surfaces face challenges such as the need for system shutdowns, reduced capacity operations, stringent safety procedures, and exposure to hazardous environments, leading to incomplete, low-resolution, or error-prone inspections.
Innovation Solution
The development of an inspection robot with modular drive assemblies and interchangeable payloads, equipped with universal connectors for couplant, electrical power, and data communications, allowing for flexible configuration and operation in hostile environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional inspection systems are used, then inspections can be performed, but stringent safety procedures and personnel exposure to hazards are required
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection robot performs self-service by autonomously navigating to inspection locations, executing inspection tasks, and returning to base without requiring human operators to enter hazardous environments. The robot independently handles couplant management, payload operations, and data collection, eliminating the need for personnel exposure to toxic gases, high voltages, or other industrial hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot serves as an intermediary that replaces human operators in hazardous inspection tasks. It acts as a mediator between inspection requirements and hazardous environments, performing dangerous tasks autonomously while keeping personnel safely remote from toxic gases, high voltages, and other harmful factors.
2Device complexity
If fixed configuration inspection systems are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different inspection surfaces and conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable platform. The robot chassis can exchange different payloads based on inspection requirements, and the drive assemblies can be selectively coupled to match different surface conditions. This dynamic reconfiguration capability allows the same base platform to adapt to various inspection surfaces and environmental conditions without redesigning the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot platform achieves universality through interchangeable payloads and selectively couplable drive assemblies. A single chassis can perform multiple inspection functions by swapping payloads (e.g., different sensor configurations for various surface types), and the universal connectors enable rapid exchange of couplant, power, and data connections. This multi-functionality allows one platform to serve multiple inspection purposes across different industrial surfaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If larger footprint inspection systems are used, then more sensors and capabilities can be integrated, but access to inclined and vertical surfaces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is segmented into modular payloads that can be attached to a compact robot chassis. This segmentation allows multiple sensors to be distributed across different payloads rather than requiring a large integrated platform. The compact chassis maintains ease of access to inclined and vertical surfaces, while the modular payloads provide comprehensive sensor coverage when attached.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sensor systems are nested within interchangeable payloads that attach to the compact robot chassis. The payloads contain arrays of sensors configured for different inspection needs, effectively nesting complex sensor capabilities within a small form factor. This nested architecture allows comprehensive sensing capabilities without increasing the base robot's footprint, maintaining access to difficult surfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and inspection robots with on body configuration are described. An example inspection robot may have a center body with a plurality of connected drive modules, each drive module having a sensing circuit to measure a drive module operating characteristic, and a visual indicator circuit to output a first visual indicator corresponding to the drive module operating characteristic. The visual indicator circuits of each of the plurality of drive modules are positioned to be simultaneously visible at a point of view.