Profile-Adapting SLED Robot for Couplant-Reduced Thick-Asset Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inspection and treatment systems for industrial surfaces face challenges such as hazardous environments, incomplete inspections, human error, and the need for system shutdowns, which result in inefficient and unsafe operations.
Innovation Solution
An inspection robot with modular drive assemblies, payload connectors, and sensor configurations for different surfaces, capable of operating in hostile environments, generating interactive inspection maps, and providing improved climbing capabilities with a reduced footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a robotic inspection system is used to eliminate human exposure to hazards, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases due to modular drive assemblies, payload connectors, and sensor configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection robot is divided into modular drive assemblies that can be selectively coupled to the chassis, with each assembly having distinct wheels suited to different inspection surfaces. This segmentation allows the system to manage complexity through standardized modules while maintaining high safety standards by eliminating human exposure to hazardous environments.
Solution Approach 2:
Universal connectors are provided for the exchange of payloads, electrical power, and data communications. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized systems and simplifies operations while maintaining safety through automated inspection in hazardous locations.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If inspection systems require system shutdowns or reduced capacity for safety, then personnel safety is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic inspection system operates autonomously in hazardous environments without requiring personnel presence. The system can perform inspections continuously without causing system shutdowns or reduced capacity of the industrial equipment being inspected, thereby maintaining both safety and productivity.
3Ease of operation
If personnel entry into inspection areas is required, then direct inspection capability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to human error and judgment
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system replaces human inspectors with automated sensor configurations including ultrasonic sensors, visual sensors, and other detection devices. This substitution eliminates human error and judgment while maintaining direct inspection capability through the robot's ability to traverse and inspect surfaces systematically with high precision.
4Productivity
If inspection coverage is incomplete or lacks systematic coverage, then inspection speed is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic inspection system incorporates sensors and data collection capabilities that provide feedback on inspection progress and coverage. This feedback mechanism ensures systematic coverage of the entire inspection area while maintaining high inspection speed through automated navigation and sensor operation, thereby improving both reliability and productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A device may include a first portion having a first sensor mount, at a first horizontal position, the first sensor mount structured to accommodate a first inspection sensor and thereby interrogate an inspection surface. A device may include a second offset portion having a second sensor mount, at a second horizontal position, the second sensor mount structured to accommodate a second inspection sensor and thereby interrogate the inspection surface. The first horizontal position and the second horizontal position may be horizontally displaced by a selected horizontal distance.