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 confined, high-risk areas.
Innovation Solution
A modular inspection robot with interchangeable drive assemblies and payloads, equipped with advanced sensors and a reduced footprint, capable of operating in hostile environments and generating interactive inspection maps, allowing for systematic and accurate 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 are exposed to hazards and inspections are incomplete or prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system is divided into modular components including a robotic platform, interchangeable payloads, and separate control systems. This segmentation allows the robot to autonomously navigate hazardous environments while personnel remain safely remote, eliminating direct exposure to hazards while maintaining comprehensive inspection capabilities through systematic automated coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic inspection system performs inspections autonomously without requiring personnel to physically enter hazardous areas. The robot navigates, inspects, and transmits data independently, with personnel only needing to monitor and control the system remotely, thereby completely eliminating personnel exposure to environmental hazards while ensuring systematic and complete inspection coverage
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional inspection systems are used, then system configuration is simple, but the systems cannot adapt to different inspection surfaces and requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic platform is designed with universal interfaces and interchangeable payloads that can be quickly swapped to match different inspection requirements. The standardized mounting systems and connector interfaces allow a single platform to perform multiple inspection functions across various surfaces, achieving high adaptability without requiring complex custom configurations for each application
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamically reconfigurable payloads and modular components that can be changed based on inspection needs. The robotic platform can adapt its configuration in real-time by swapping sensors, effectors, or entire payload modules, allowing versatility across different inspection surfaces while maintaining relatively simple base platform architecture that reduces overall complexity
3Reliability
If inspection systems require system shutdowns or reduced capacity operation, then safety procedures can be followed, but productivity and operational efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous robotic inspection system performs all inspection tasks without requiring system shutdowns or reduced operational capacity. The robot independently navigates and inspects surfaces while the host system continues normal operations, eliminating productivity losses while maintaining safety through remote operation and automated inspection protocols that comply with safety requirements
4Measurement precision
If personnel conduct inspections in confined spaces, then equipment can be simple, but inspections are incomplete and prone to human error due to accessibility limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system is designed with compact, modular components that can navigate and operate in confined spaces where personnel cannot access. The segmented modular design allows the robot to fit into tight areas while maintaining full inspection capabilities through specialized sensors and payloads, achieving complete and accurate inspections in previously inaccessible locations without human error
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.