Removable Payload Interface Plates for Modular Inspection Robots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inspection systems for industrial surfaces face challenges such as hazardous environments, incomplete inspections, human error, and the need for system shutdowns, due to their inability to efficiently and safely access and assess surfaces in high-risk locations.
Innovation Solution
A modular inspection robot with interchangeable drive assemblies and payloads, equipped with universal connectors for sensor configurations and cooling systems, allowing for safe operation in hostile environments and generating interactive inspection maps for improved data collection and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If personnel manually inspect industrial surfaces in hazardous environments, then inspection can be performed with simple equipment, but personnel safety is compromised and inspection quality is inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection robot autonomously navigates and inspects industrial surfaces without requiring human operators to enter hazardous zones. The system performs self-directed inspection tasks, collecting data and generating reports automatically, thereby eliminating personnel exposure to dangerous environments while maintaining consistent inspection quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection methods with an automated robotic system equipped with sensors and data processing capabilities. This substitution transforms the inspection process from human-dependent to machine-executed, improving reliability while removing personnel from harmful environments
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional inspection systems are used, then system complexity is low, but adaptability to different inspection requirements is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system is divided into modular components including interchangeable payloads, sensor assemblies, and inspection modules. Each module can be independently configured and attached to the robotic platform, allowing the system to adapt to different inspection requirements without redesigning the entire system. This segmentation enables flexibility while managing complexity through standardized interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic platform is designed with universal mounting interfaces and standardized connection protocols that allow different sensor types and inspection modules to be interchangeably attached. This multi-functionality enables a single base system to perform multiple inspection tasks across various industrial applications, enhancing adaptability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive inspection coverage is achieved, then inspection accuracy is improved, but inspection time and system downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic inspection system operates continuously without requiring system shutdowns or interruptions. The autonomous platform maintains steady inspection progress while collecting comprehensive data, eliminating the downtime associated with manual inspection setup, personnel rotation, and safety procedures. This continuous operation achieves both thorough coverage and time efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple sensors and detection methods simultaneously to create redundant measurement copies of the same inspection target. This multi-modal data collection approach improves measurement precision through cross-validation while maintaining inspection speed, as all sensors operate in parallel rather than sequentially
Data Source
AI summary
Inspection robots with removeable interface plates and method for configuring payload interfaces are described. An example robot may include a payload, with at least one sensor, mounted to a housing of the inspection robot. The housing may include a removeable interface plate coupled to the at least one sensor and to an electronic board, the electronic board positioned within the housing. The removeable interface plate may define an electrical coupling interface compatible with the payload, and the electronic board may include an electrical processing configuration compatible with the payload.