Swappable Inspection Robot Drive Modules for Hazardous Surface Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inspection systems for industrial surfaces face challenges such as hazardous environments, incomplete inspections due to human error, and the need for system shutdowns, which result in inefficient and unsafe operations.
Innovation Solution
A modular inspection robot with interchangeable drive assemblies and payloads, equipped with universal connectors for couplant, electrical power, and data communications, allowing for flexible sensor configurations and operation in hostile environments, generating interactive inspection maps, and featuring a reduced footprint for improved mobility and data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional inspection systems are used in hazardous environments, then personnel safety is compromised, but inspection completeness and accuracy deteriorate due to human error and inability to access confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection robot is equipped with autonomous navigation capabilities, onboard sensors, and self-contained power and couplant systems, allowing it to perform inspections independently without continuous human intervention or presence in hazardous areas
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces human operators with an automated robotic system that uses electronic sensors and data processing instead of human senses and judgment, eliminating human error while maintaining inspection accuracy
2Reliability
If system shutdowns are implemented for inspections, then safety procedures can be followed, but productivity is reduced due to operational downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic inspection system enables continuous operation by performing inspections during normal system operation rather than requiring shutdowns, maintaining productive action throughout the inspection process
Solution Approach 2:
The robot acts as an intermediary that can access hazardous areas and perform inspections without requiring the inspected system to be shut down, decoupling the inspection process from system operational status
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular drive assemblies with distinct wheels are used, then adaptability to different inspection surfaces is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is divided into separate, interchangeable drive assemblies, each optimized for specific surface types, allowing selective deployment without redesigning the entire system
Solution Approach 2:
The universal connectors and standardized mounting interfaces enable different drive assemblies to work with the same robot platform, creating a multi-functional system that can handle various inspection surfaces through configuration changes rather than design changes
4Ease of operation
If universal connectors for couplant, electrical power, and data communications are implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple connection functions (couplant delivery, electrical power, data communication) are merged into single integrated universal connectors, reducing the number of separate connections required and simplifying payload exchange operations
Data Source
AI summary
Inspection robots with independent, swappable, drive modules are described. An example inspection robot may have a center body with a plurality of power interfaces, a plurality of communication interfaces, and a plurality of cooling interfaces. The example inspection robot may have a plurality of drive modules, where each drive module is structured to be coupled to a power interface, a communication interface, and a cooling interface.