Remote Installation Gripper With Gear-Driven Pole Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Installing equipment in remote or hard-to-reach locations is expensive, risky, and time-consuming for human operators.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a controller mounted to an unmanned vehicle with a gripper mechanism that can securely attach to poles or structures using motors and a transmission assembly to move between open and closed configurations, allowing remote operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If human operators manually install equipment at remote locations, then the equipment can be securely mounted, but the operation becomes expensive, risky, and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service installation where the unmanned vehicle autonomously navigates to the remote location, positions the gripper, and secures the equipment without human intervention. The vehicle carries its own control systems and propulsion, performing the entire installation sequence independently
Solution Approach 2:
An unmanned vehicle acts as an intermediary between the installer and the remote location, transferring the installer's capabilities to a remote platform that can access difficult-to-reach areas without exposing human operators to risk or time constraints
2Reliability
If human operators manually install equipment at remote locations, then the equipment can be securely mounted, but the operation becomes expensive and risky
Solution Approach 1:
The unmanned vehicle performs the installation task autonomously, eliminating human operators from hazardous environments. The vehicle's autonomous navigation and control systems enable it to complete the installation sequence without human exposure to physical risks
Solution Approach 2:
The unmanned vehicle serves as an intermediary that assumes the risks associated with remote location access, protecting human operators from harm while maintaining installation capability through automated systems
3Reliability
If a gripper mechanism with transmission assembly is used, then the gripper can be securely mounted to the control coupler, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission assembly is nested within the gripper structure, with the drive shaft received in a socket and the transmission components housed within the gripper body. This nested arrangement integrates multiple functions into a compact configuration, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining secure mounting
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket and gripper members are combined into an integrated structure that performs both gripping and mounting functions. The transmission assembly merges the drive shaft rotation mechanism with the grip member actuation system, reducing the number of separate components
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
Enables safe, efficient, and cost-effective installation of equipment at remote locations by unmanned vehicles, reducing human risk and time consumption.
Implementation Method 1
at least one motor located in the controller housing... operable to rotate the drive shaft about a longitudinal drive shaft axis
Implementation Method 2
a round gear meshed with the toothed track whereby the drive assembly of the drive apparatus is operable to mechanically drive the round gear and thereby move the toothed track to move the second grip member between the open and closed positions
Implementation Method 3
The fastener may be a threaded fastener and the second socket is a threaded socket, and the at least one motor is operable to rotate the threaded fastener about a longitudinal fastener axis
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for installing equipment at a remote location includes a gripper that is releasably coupled to a controller. The gripper includes a first grip member and a second grip member. The second grip member is pivotally joined to the first grip member and moveable between an open position and a closed position. The gripper also includes a gripper coupler secured to the first and second grip members and operable to engage a control coupler of the controller to releasably mount the gripper to the controller. The gripper also includes a transmission assembly with a toothed track mounted to the second grip member and a round gear mounted to the first grip member, the round gear meshed with the toothed track and the transmission assembly positioned to be mechanically engaged by the control coupler whereby the control coupler is operable to mechanically drive the round gear to move the second grip member between the open and closed positions.