Telescoping Mast Sequenced Deployment for Compact Payload Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional autonomous mobile devices face issues with stability due to tall caster assemblies that increase height and volume, leading to reduced mobility and payload capacity, and are prone to fouling and mechanical complexity, making them expensive and less efficient.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile caster assembly with a metallic target element for inductive sensing to prevent fouling and an extensible mast with telescoping sections for adjustable payload positioning, allowing for compact design and reduced mechanical complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If traditional tall caster assemblies are used to support the device, then the device height and volume are increased, but mobility and payload capacity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The caster assembly is divided into multiple telescoping sections (first section, second section, third section) that can extend and retract independently. This segmentation allows the caster to achieve the necessary height for stability while maintaining a compact retracted profile that preserves mobility and payload capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The caster assembly transitions from a static fixed-height design to a dynamic telescoping design with multiple extendable sections. The sections can be extended or retracted based on operational requirements, allowing the device to optimize between stability (extended) and mobility (retracted) states.
2Device complexity
If traditional caster assemblies are used, then mechanical complexity increases, but reliability decreases due to fouling and mechanical failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical sensing and detection mechanisms with an inductive sensing system that uses electromagnetic fields. The metallic target element and inductive sensor detect the position and state of the telescoping sections without physical contact, eliminating mechanical wear and fouling issues.
Solution Approach 2:
A metallic target element is introduced as an intermediary between the telescoping sections and the inductive sensor. This target element carries the positional information through electromagnetic interaction rather than direct mechanical contact, reducing the complexity of mechanical linkages and sensors.
3Productivity
If telescoping mast sections are extended to increase payload capacity, then the risk of fouling and mechanical failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical position detection mechanisms in the telescoping mast with an inductive sensing system. The metallic target element attached to the movable mast section interacts electromagnetically with the inductive sensor, allowing position detection without mechanical linkages that are susceptible to fouling and failure.
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
The solution enhances stability, reduces fouling, and enables efficient use of space while maintaining mobility and payload flexibility, making autonomous mobile devices more affordable and efficient.
Implementation Method 1
A mechanism for sequenced deployment of a mast is disclosed. The mechanism includes a first section, a second section, a third section, an inductive sensor, and a controller. The first section is disposed inside the second section and the second section is disposed inside the third section
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous mobile device with an extensible mast to raise and lower a payload, such as a camera, relative to a main body. The mast comprises a set of telescoping sections. A motor moves a flexible rack between a first spool and the mast to raise or lower the mast. For example, during extension a motor-driven pinion engages teeth on the flexible rack, pulling the rack from the first spool and pushing up the mast. A cable stored on a second spool may be extended and retracted with the flexible rack. The cable transfers one or more of data or power between the main body and the payload. A mechanism provides for sequenced deployment of the mast, with the innermost section moving first. While raising the mast, the mechanism engages between adjacent telescoping sections, locking them in place. While lowering the mast, the mechanism selectively releases section by section.