Multipoint Sensing Robot for Automated Material Surface Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current testing equipment for materials, such as concrete and steel, requires manual movement to each testing location, which is inefficient and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A mobile sensing robot equipped with a multipoint sensing system and a mobility system that allows it to traverse a surface autonomously or semi-autonomously, deploying probes at spaced-apart locations to acquire measurement data of material characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual handheld testing equipment is used, then device complexity is low, but productivity and labor efficiency are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system is divided into multiple independent probes distributed across the mobile robot platform. Each probe can be independently controlled to contact different locations on the material surface, enabling simultaneous multi-point measurement while maintaining manageable system modularity
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile sensing robot autonomously traverses the material surface and positions probes without requiring manual intervention. The control system automatically coordinates probe deployment, material contact, and data acquisition, transforming the testing process from labor-intensive manual operation to automated self-service
2Productivity
If multiple probes are deployed at spaced-apart locations, then measurement coverage and productivity improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple probes are integrated onto a single mobile robot platform that shares common navigation, control, and power systems. This merging approach enables simultaneous multi-point measurement capability while avoiding the complexity of coordinating separate standalone testing devices
Solution Approach 2:
The probes are designed to be dynamically deployable and retractable rather than fixed in position. The control system can selectively activate different probe configurations based on the material being tested, allowing flexible adaptation to various testing scenarios without permanent structural complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Mobile sensing robots having multipoint sensing systems that include multiple probes for making measurements of material characteristics and/or other conditions. The probes may be deployed on traction elements, such as legs, wheels, and/or tracks, of a traction system that can move the robot on a surface of a material. The probes may be deployed on a probe deployment system that operates independently of any traction system provided. The mobile sensing robot may include a mobility system, such as an aerial mobility system and/or a submissible mobility system, in addition to or in place of the traction system. The probes may be of any one or more of a variety of types, such as vibration-sensing probes, stimulus electrode, measuring electrodes, temperature sensors, and humidity sensors, among many other types.