Sensor Transport Apparatus with Pivotable Struts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsurface imaging technologies, such as ground penetrating radar, face challenges in transporting sensors over long distances or at high speeds while maintaining a fixed operational distance and avoiding obstacles, which can damage the sensor.
Innovation Solution
A sensor transportation apparatus with pivotable struts and a deflector system that maintains the sensing surface at a consistent operational distance, allows for obstacle avoidance, and includes a cushioning mechanism to absorb impacts, enabling deployment at high speeds and long distances without damaging the sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensor is positioned close to the target surface for accurate imaging, then measurement precision is improved, but the risk of collision with obstacles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor mounting system employs pivoting struts that allow dynamic adjustment of sensor position. When obstacles are detected or terrain changes occur, the struts can pivot to lift the sensor away from the target surface, preventing collisions while maintaining close proximity during normal operation for accurate imaging.
2Productivity
If the sensor is transported at high speeds over long distances, then productivity is improved, but the risk of damage from obstacles and vibrations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting apparatus includes cushioning elements positioned to absorb impacts before they reach the sensor. These cushioning mechanisms are pre-positioned to engage when obstacles are encountered during high-speed travel, protecting the sensor from damage while allowing rapid transport between imaging locations.
3Reliability
If the sensor is suspended from a cart for obstacle avoidance, then reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into modular components: an upper frame attached to the transport vehicle, pivoting struts with defined upper and lower ends, and a sensor assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while simplifying the overall structure compared to a fully integrated cart system.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the angle between the sensing surface and struts is less than 90 degrees, then adjustability is improved, but the structural stability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The angle between the sensing surface and struts is optimized to be less than 90 degrees, allowing the struts to effectively control the sensor's distance from the target surface. This angular parameter enables rapid adjustment of operational distance while the strut design and pivot points maintain sufficient structural stability during operation.
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 apparatus effectively maintains the sensor at a consistent operational distance, reduces the risk of collision with obstacles, and cushions impacts, ensuring accurate subsurface imaging over extended distances and high-speed travel.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor is adapted to pivot about the lower ends of the front and rear struts to maintain the sensing surface in substantially parallel orientation to the target surface
Implementation Method 2
a front strut defining an upper end and a lower end, the upper end of the front strut being pivotally connected to the upper frame, the lower end of the front strut being pivotally connected to the sensor
Implementation Method 3
includes a cushioning mechanism to absorb impacts, enabling deployment at high speeds and long distances without damaging the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for transporting a sensor having a sensing surface at an operational distance from a target surface is disclosed. The apparatus includes an upper frame and spaced apart parallel front and rear struts. The upper ends of the struts are connected to the upper frame. The lower ends of the struts are connected to the sensor. The front and rear struts pivot about the upper frame to move the sensor in response to an obstacle on the target surface, The sensor pivots about the lower ends of the front and rear struts to maintain the sensing surface in substantially parallel orientation to the target surface. The angle between the sensing surface and the front and rear struts is less than 90°.