Suction Wheel Adhesion on Non-Ferromagnetic Surfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Crawling systems face challenges in adhering to non-ferromagnetic metallic surfaces using traditional magnetic or electromagnetic adhesion mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

Wheels equipped with controllable suction devices, utilizing stretchable materials and diaphragm mechanisms, pumps, or spring-activated systems to create and control suction for adhesion on various surfaces, including metallic and non-metallic materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If magnetic or electromagnetic adhesion mechanisms are used, then adhesion to ferromagnetic surfaces is achieved, but adhesion to non-ferromagnetic surfaces is ineffective

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface material compatibilityVSAvoidadhesion effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a diaphragm as an intermediary component between the wheel and the surface. The diaphragm can deform to create a vacuum seal against various surface materials (metallic and non-metallic), enabling adhesion through suction rather than magnetic attraction. This mediator allows the system to adhere to surfaces that would otherwise be incompatible with magnetic mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the adhesion mechanism from magnetic field-based to pressure-based (vacuum/suction). By using a diaphragm that can create negative pressure differential, the system transitions from relying on material-specific magnetic properties to relying on universal pressure differential, thereby expanding surface material compatibility while maintaining adhesion reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If suction devices are used for adhesion on non-ferromagnetic surfaces, then surface material compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface material compatibilityVSAvoidadhesion mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesion system is segmented into modular components: the diaphragm, the suction cup elements, and the actuation mechanism. This segmentation allows the complex function of adhesion on various surfaces to be achieved through simpler, interchangeable parts that can be independently controlled and replaced.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The diaphragm is designed as a dynamic, deformable component rather than a rigid structure. It can change shape and flexibility to adapt to different surface geometries and materials, reducing the need for multiple specialized components and simplifying the overall system while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If stretchable materials are moved radially to control adhesion, then adhesion control precision is improved, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesion control precisionVSAvoidadhesion control simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical linkages with a more direct actuation system. The diaphragm is directly coupled to the actuator (such as a linear actuator or pump), eliminating the need for complex transmission mechanisms. This substitution maintains precise radial movement control while simplifying the overall operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The stretchable materials and diaphragm are designed to automatically return to their original position after deformation. This self-service feature reduces the complexity of control systems, as the materials inherently provide the reverse action needed for adhesion release, simplifying operation while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 effective adhesion and release from surfaces in any orientation, regardless of surface material, through controlled vacuum or suction effects, enhancing the mobility of crawling systems.

Implementation Method 1

wheels have controllable suction devices for adhesion on surfaces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum suction: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

each aperture has a respective stretchable material therein

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

The pump has a tube coupled to the portion of the diaphragm, wherein the pump moves a substance in the direction radial to the axle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid pressure: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS12583251B2Wheels with controllable suction devices for adhesion on surfaces

Publication Date: 2026.03.24 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

Wheels have controllable suction devices for adhesion on surfaces. The wheel has an axle and an outer circumferential surface. The outer circumferential surface has a plurality of apertures and a plurality of stretchable materials. Each aperture has a respective stretchable material therein. Rotating the wheel moves a first stretchable material adjacent to a surface of a structure. A portion of the first stretchable material moves in the direction radial to the axle, to control adhesion of a portion of the outer circumferential surface to the surface of the structure. A method implements use of the wheel to adhere to the surface of the structure.