Throwable Robot Magnetic Lock for Tamper-Resistant Enable Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Throwable robots used in military and policing operations require robust, reliable, and secure control systems, including enable-disable switches, to withstand rugged conditions and ensure operational reliability.
Innovation Solution
A throwable surveillance robot with a housing containing a magnetic field sensor, a pair of axially aligned drive wheels, and a key member that alters the magnetic field when inserted into a key holding slot, allowing for secure enable/disable functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional enable-disable switch is used in the robot, then the control system is simple and easy to manufacture, but the switch is vulnerable to tampering and environmental damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical enable-disable switch with a magnetic field-based detection system. Magnets are positioned within the housing, and a magnetic sensor detects their positions to determine the enable/disable state. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and tampering vulnerabilities while maintaining system reliability, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and vulnerability to environmental damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the physical key insertion action and the electronic control system. When a key is inserted, it alters the magnetic field configuration, which the magnetic sensor detects and translates into control signals. This intermediary approach protects the control system from direct mechanical exposure while maintaining reliable control functionality.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the housing is completely sealed to protect internal components, then environmental protection is improved, but heat dissipation and component access deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a sealed housing structure that encloses the magnetic components and electronic systems, providing protection against environmental factors such as moisture and dust. The sealing is achieved through precision-machined housing parts and gaskets, allowing complete environmental protection while the magnetic field detection system operates effectively through the sealed structure without requiring physical openings.
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 provides a tamper-resistant means to enable or disable the robot, ensuring operational security and reliability in harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
A magnet is disposed inside the housing cavity... A magnetic field sensor is disposed inside the housing cavity... The magnetic field sensor provides a first output signal when a first key member is present, a second output signal when a second key member is present
Implementation Method 2
The first key member and the second key member comprise different materials... the first key member has a first effect on the magnetic field and the second key member has a second effect on the magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A two wheeled throwable robot comprises an elongate chassis with two ends, a motor at each end, drive wheels connected to the motors, and a tail extending from the elongate chassis. The throwable robot includes an enable/disable arrangement comprising a pair of magnets generating a magnetic field and a magnetic field sensor positioned in proximity to the pair of magnets. The sensor is activated upon the occurrence of a specific modification of the magnetic field. The throwable robot may include a key member formed of a material to modify the magnetic field to enable the robot.