Segmented Rigid Magnetic Robotic Device for Harsh Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic devices for biomedical applications, particularly in low Reynolds number regimes, face challenges with weak structural integrity and susceptibility to failure in harsh environments due to their soft and flexible structures.
Innovation Solution
A magnetically controllable robotic device with a rigid body structure, comprising multiple interconnected parts with pivot-type joints and a magnetically-responsive coating, allowing for controlled movement via an external magnetic field, enhancing structural integrity and operational robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a soft flexible structure is used for the robotic actuator, then the device can move flexibly and perform undulatory movement, but the structural integrity is weak and the device is susceptible to failure in harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic device is divided into multiple rigid body parts (head, body segments, tail) connected by joints. Each segment maintains structural integrity while the collective arrangement enables flexible undulatory movement. The body is segmented into distinct rigid portions that pivot relative to each other, combining rigidity with overall flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines rigid materials for body parts with magnetically-responsive materials (such as ferromagnetic particles or coatings) to create a composite structure. This composite approach provides both structural strength and magnetic controllability, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and controllability.
2Strength
If a rigid body structure is used for the robotic device, then the structural integrity is improved, but the ability to perform flexible undulatory movement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid body is segmented into multiple articulated parts connected by pivot joints. This segmentation allows each rigid segment to maintain its structural integrity while the joints between segments enable flexible undulatory motion, effectively resolving the contradiction between rigidity and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates movable joints that allow dynamic adjustment of the body configuration. The pivot joints enable relative rotation between rigid segments, transforming a static rigid structure into a dynamic system capable of flexible undulatory movement while maintaining rigid segment integrity.
3Ease of operation
If an external magnetic field is used to control the robotic device, then the movement control is simplified, but the device requires magnetically-responsive materials which may increase complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetically-responsive material is applied locally to specific body parts (such as the head or specific segments) rather than the entire device. This localized application simplifies the overall structure by concentrating magnetic properties only where needed for control, reducing the complexity of material integration while maintaining ease of magnetic control.
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
The robotic device achieves improved structural integrity and effective movement in low Reynolds number regimes, enabling reliable operation in harsh environments with enhanced propulsion mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
The first body part is magnetically-responsive such that the first body part can be controlled by an external magnetic field generated by a magnetic control system
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetically controllable robotic device including a body having a first body part and a second body part movably connected with the first body part. The first body part and the second body part are both rigid. The first body part is magnetically-responsive such that the first body part can be controlled by an external magnetic field generated by an magnetic control system. The first body part may be controlled such that the magnetically controllable robotic device is moved by the external magnetic field.