Tethered Flying Module for Robot Surveillance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Remotely controlled maneuverable robots and aerial video systems face limitations in maneuverability, autonomy, endurance, and ability to operate in adverse weather, with limited range and perspective, making them complex and expensive, and unable to effectively detect terrain challenges or provide precise route planning.
Innovation Solution
A remotely controlled mobile robot equipped with a tethered flying module featuring an imager and sensors, allowing the module to gain elevation for surveillance and terrain data collection, providing a longer and more controllable sensor-view perspective, and enabling better route planning and target detection without the need for complex or expensive unmanned aerial vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a tethered flying module is deployed to gain elevation for surveillance, then sensor-view perspective and terrain data capability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the surveillance function into two separate modules: a ground-based robot and an aerial flying module. The flying module can be deployed when aerial perspective is needed and retracted when not needed, providing the necessary sensor-view perspective only during specific operations rather than requiring continuous complex aerial capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flying module is tethered to and can be stored within the robot structure, with the robot serving as the base platform. This nesting approach allows the system to gain aerial capability when needed while maintaining a compact, manageable form factor when the flying module is retracted, avoiding the need for a permanently complex aerial platform.
2Loss of information
If a tethered flying module is deployed to gain elevation for surveillance, then sensor-view perspective and terrain data capability are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates aerial surveillance functionality from the main robot body, allowing the flying module to be a simpler, dedicated component rather than requiring a fully-featured expensive UAV. This segmentation enables cost-effective manufacturing by focusing each module on its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The tether acts as an intermediary connection between the robot and flying module, providing mechanical support, power transmission, and data communication in a single integrated structure. This eliminates the need for complex independent navigation and control systems that would be required in a standalone UAV, significantly reducing manufacturing costs.
3Loss of information
If conventional aerial video systems are used, then surveillance capability is provided, but maneuverability and controllability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tether serves as a physical intermediary that provides both support and control connectivity between the robot and flying module. This mechanical connection enables real-time control and maneuvering of the flying module from the robot, greatly improving controllability compared to independent aerial systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the control functions of the robot and flying module into a unified operational framework. The operator controls both platforms as an integrated system, allowing coordinated maneuvers and simplified operation compared to managing separate aerial and ground vehicles independently.
4Loss of information
If unmanned aerial vehicles are used for surveillance, then aerial perspective is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential aerial perspective function from a full UAV system, implementing a simplified flying module that provides elevation and surveillance capability without the complex navigation, autonomy, and endurance systems required in conventional UAVs. This extraction approach achieves the necessary aerial perspective while dramatically reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flying module is designed as a simpler, more affordable component compared to full UAV systems, accepting limited endurance and range in exchange for dramatically reduced complexity and cost. The module can be easily replaced or recharged at the robot base, making the system economically viable for extended operations.
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 system offers improved maneuverability, controllability, and cost-effectiveness by providing enhanced surveillance and terrain data, allowing for longer-range planning and immediate data availability to ground troops, while avoiding the limitations of conventional aerial video systems and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a flying module (22) configured to be received in the dock (16). The flying module (22) includes at least one rotor powered by a motor
Implementation Method 2
at least one rotor powered by a motor
Implementation Method 3
A tether is coupled to the payout device of the robot and to the flying module
Implementation Method 4
The flying module (22) includes at least one rotor powered by a motor, and a body portion including an imager
Data Source
AI summary
A robot surveillance system includes a robot chassis, a drive subsystem for the chassis, a dock on the chassis, and a payout device associated with the chassis. A flying module is configured to be received in the dock and includes at least one rotor powered by a motor and a body portion including an imager. A tether is coupled to the payout device of the robot and to the flying module for allowing the flying module to climb out of the dock when powered to gain elevation for surveillance and imaging via the imager and for retracting the flying module to land on the robot and reside in the chassis dock after surveillance.