Separable Snake Robot Modules for Tunnel Communication Relay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Snake robots used for exploration in environments like tunnels and underground facilities often lose communication with the control center due to signal degradation, leading to potential loss of control and inability to transmit image information effectively.
Innovation Solution
A separable module type snake robot that dynamically separates into multiple mobile relay modules based on signal strength and link quality indicators to maintain communication with the control center by repositioning modules to optimize signal propagation, forming an ad-hoc mesh network for seamless image information transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the snake robot operates in shadow areas (tunnels, underground facilities), then exploration capability is improved, but communication reliability with the control center deteriorates due to signal degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The snake robot is divided into multiple separable modules, each equipped with independent communication devices. This segmentation allows the robot to dynamically separate into multiple relay modules when operating in shadow areas, creating a distributed communication network that maintains connectivity even when individual modules are out of direct range of the control center.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate relay modules that act as mediators between the control center and the exploration area. These relay modules receive and forward communication signals, enabling the snake robot to maintain communication connectivity in shadow areas by using other robot modules as signal intermediaries.
2Reliability
If the snake robot separates into multiple relay modules, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each robot module is designed with universal multi-functionality, containing communication devices, driving devices, and recognition devices that can operate independently or in coordination with other modules. This universality allows the system to maintain communication reliability through module separation while avoiding the need for specialized complex structures for each module type.
Solution Approach 2:
The snake robot employs dynamic module separation and reconfiguration based on real-time propagation situation analysis. Modules can dynamically separate into relay configurations when communication reliability is at risk and reconfigure back when conditions improve, allowing the system to adapt communication architecture to environmental conditions rather than maintaining fixed complex structures.
3Reliability
If robot modules are separated sequentially from the rearmost portion, then communication connectivity is maintained, but loss of time occurs during reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The snake robot performs preliminary analysis of propagation situations (RSSI and LQI) to predict communication degradation before it occurs. By detecting degradation trends in advance, the system can proactively separate modules in a predetermined sequence from the rearmost portion, maintaining communication connectivity without waiting for complete signal loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic monitoring of communication parameters (RSSI and LQI) and performs module separation at predetermined intervals or when threshold conditions are met. This periodic action allows for systematic reconfiguration that balances communication reliability maintenance with minimal disruption to overall operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a snake robot for exploration and disclosed is a separable module type snake robot that configures an ad-hoc mesh network by separating a body part into multiple mobile relay modules according to a propagation situation to seamlessly transmit image information to a remote control center.