Serpentine Robotic Crawler Non-Dedicated Smart Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned ground vehicles face challenges in traversing diverse terrains due to size limitations and the need for complex control mechanisms, making them less versatile and discreet for surveillance applications.
Innovation Solution
A serpentine robotic crawler system with a non-dedicated smart control device that can be removably connected to drive and linkage subsystems, facilitating control through a communication subsystem, allowing for customization and enhanced mobility without the need for complex onboard control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a dedicated control system is integrated into the robotic crawler, then control functionality is provided, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a smartphone as an intermediary device that interfaces with the robotic crawler through a communication subsystem. The smartphone serves as a non-dedicated control device that provides control functionality without requiring complex integrated systems. The communication subsystem acts as a mediator between the smartphone and the crawler's drive and linkage subsystems, enabling remote control while keeping the crawler's onboard system simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the control system universal by allowing any smartphone to function as a control device for the robotic crawler. Instead of requiring a dedicated specialized controller, the system accepts multiple types of smartphones (iOS, Android, etc.) and provides the same control functionality through standardized communication interfaces. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
2Device complexity
If a non-dedicated smart control device is used, then device complexity is reduced, but control reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through the smartphone's existing processing capabilities and communication protocols. The smartphone independently handles control signal generation, data processing, and communication without requiring dedicated hardware support. The communication subsystem automatically manages data exchange between the smartphone and the robotic crawler, ensuring reliable control while maintaining system simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the robotic crawler is designed for navigation through obstacles, then mobility capability is improved, but the vehicle size must be small to access narrow passages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the robotic crawler into modular components including drive subsystems, linkage subsystems, and a mount subsystem. This segmentation allows the vehicle to achieve compact dimensions for accessing narrow passages while maintaining the structural integrity and mobility capabilities needed for obstacle navigation. The modular design enables flexible configuration that adapts to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a serpentine configuration that utilizes spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions. The serpentine body plan allows the crawler to achieve compact linear dimensions for passing through narrow passages while maintaining sufficient wheelbase and operational dimensions for navigating obstacles through multi-dimensional spatial arrangement of drive and linkage components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the robotic crawler uses a serpentine configuration with multiple subsystems, then adaptability to terrain is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the linkage subsystems adjustable and reconfigurable. The linkage subsystems can be adjusted to different configurations to adapt to various terrains and operational requirements. The dynamic adjustment capability allows the same basic subsystem architecture to handle diverse terrain conditions without requiring complex dedicated mechanisms for each terrain type.
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic crawler having a non-dedicated smart control system is disclosed. Such a crawler can include a first drive subsystem, a second drive subsystem, a multi-degree of freedom linkage subsystem coupling the first and second drive subsystems, and a non-dedicated, smart control device removably supported about one of the first drive subsystem, the second drive subsystem, and the linkage subsystem. The smart control device is configured to initiate and control operational functionality within the robotic crawler upon being connected to the robotic crawler. The crawler can also include a communication subsystem functionally coupled between the smart control device and the serpentine robotic crawler, the communication subsystem facilitating control by the smart control device of at least one of the first drive subsystem, the second drive subsystem, and the linkage subsystem.