Self-Stabilizing Payload Assembly for Confined Space Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Moveable objects carrying payload devices, such as imaging devices, experience movement-related issues that affect sensor operations, particularly in confined spaces, leading to poor quality images and data, and require stabilization against external forces like wind and twisting cables.
Innovation Solution
A self-stabilizing assembly with a support structure and control mechanisms, including rotatable members, motors, and a winch system, to maintain payload device stability and control its movement, allowing deployment into confined spaces without operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the moveable object is deployed into confined spaces for vertical inspections, then the inspection capability is improved, but the stability of the payload device deteriorates due to external forces like wind and twisting cables
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a moveable object for navigation, a payload device for inspection, and a stabilization assembly with gimbal mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the stabilization assembly compensating for movements of the moveable object to maintain payload stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The gimbal mechanism acts as an intermediary between the moveable object and the payload device. It isolates the payload from the destabilizing forces by providing a stable mounting platform that can counteract movements, thereby maintaining image quality despite external disturbances.
2Device complexity
If the payload device is stabilized using traditional mounting methods, then the structure is simple, but the image quality deteriorates due to movement and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization system employs dynamic compensation through the gimbal mechanism, which actively adjusts its orientation to counteract movements. This dynamic approach transforms the static mounting problem into a controllable system that can adapt to changing conditions, maintaining image stability without requiring excessive structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the mounting structure by introducing active stabilization capabilities. The gimbal mechanism modifies the orientation parameters in real-time to compensate for movements, thereby improving image quality without fundamentally changing the basic mounting structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the moveable object carries additional stabilization equipment, then the payload stability is improved, but the weight of the moveable object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization functionality is merged with the existing moveable object structure rather than being added as a completely separate system. The gimbal mechanism is integrated into the payload mounting assembly, sharing structural components and control systems with the moveable object to minimize additional weight while achieving stabilization.
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 accurate and reliable data capture in confined spaces by stabilizing the payload device, allowing remote operation and extended battery life without continuous battery swaps.
Implementation Method 1
one or more rotatable members positioned within the housing, wherein the rotatable members are configured to generate torque and control the heading the first assembly
Implementation Method 2
one or more motors coupled to the rotatable members, wherein the motors are configured to control the rotation of the rotatable members
Implementation Method 3
a winch cable extending along the elongated arm and connected to the first assembly, and wherein the winch cable is configured to raise and lower the first assembly
Implementation Method 4
a triple-axis wheel unit assembly positioned within the housing, wherein the wheel unit assembly is configured to control and stabilize the self-stabilizing assembly
Implementation Method 5
a payload support structure pivotally attached to the housing; and a payload device mounted within the payload support structure, wherein the payload support structure is configured to stabilize and control the movement of the payload device
Data Source
AI summary
An inspection system including a self-stabilizing assembly for carrying and controlling the movement of a payload device. The system also comprises a support assembly for supporting the weight and maintaining the stability of the self-stabilizing assembly. The system also comprises a controller for controlling the movement and direction of the self-stabilizing assembly.