Articulated Snake Robot for In-Wall Conduit Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing electrical systems in buildings require cutting holes in walls, making it difficult to run conduits and drill through structural members without invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
A snake-like robot with linked segments that can rotate and translate to elongate, pivot, and drill through solid materials while allowing conduits to be passed through its axial passages without cutting holes, enabling minimally invasive installation of electrical systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional drilling and conduit installation methods are used through structural members, then electrical systems can be installed, but holes must be cut in walls causing damage and increased complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The robot is divided into multiple articulated segments or links that can rotate relative to each other, allowing the robot to navigate complex paths through structural members without requiring straight-line access or large opening holes in walls
Solution Approach 2:
The robot transitions from two-dimensional wall surface operation to three-dimensional interior navigation by drilling through walls and moving within the structural framework, accessing spaces that would be difficult to reach with traditional surface-mounted methods
2Ease of operation
If access holes are cut in walls to install electrical systems, then conduits can be routed easily, but the number of access holes increases and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot integrates multiple functions including drilling, conduit pushing, and navigation within a single device, eliminating the need for separate operations and multiple access holes that would otherwise be required for traditional installation methods
Solution Approach 2:
The robot acts as an intermediary tool that passes through structural members and pushes conduits from the interior, serving as a mediator between the exterior access point and the interior installation target, thereby reducing the number of access holes needed
3Adaptability or versatility
If the robot uses articulated links with rotation capability, then the robot can navigate complex paths and drill through materials, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot employs dynamic articulated joints that allow rotation and movement between segments, enabling the robot to adapt its configuration to navigate around obstacles and drill through structural members while maintaining a relatively simple segmental structure
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a robot includes providing a robot having a plurality of independently operable links that rotate and translate the robot. The links comprise a first link having a first distal end, a first proximal end, and a first longitudinal axis extending between the first distal end and the first proximal end and a second link having a second proximal end, a second distal end operatively coupled to the first proximal end, and a second longitudinal axis extending between the second proximal end and the second distal end. The method further comprises inserting the robot through a first opening into the space and advancing the robot through the space by performing at least one of the following operations: axially elongating the robot; pivoting the first longitudinal axis relative to the second longitudinal axis; and rotating the first longitudinal axis relative to the second longitudinal axis.