Universal Robot Interface for Interchangeable Tool Heads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic systems for pipeline rehabilitation lack a universal architecture that allows for interchangeable tool heads and self-recognizing components, leading to inefficiencies and a lack of precision in tasks such as lateral cutting and relining, as they do not incorporate a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that adapts to recognized robotic components and functionalities.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system with a universal interface for attaching interchangeable tool heads and sensors, connected to a remote computer for digital feedback and control, enabling plug-and-play functionality and automatic configuration of user options through a GUI that recognizes and adapts to installed devices, facilitating tasks like inspection, debris clearing, and lateral cutting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If custom-designed robots are used for each individual pipeline rehabilitation task, then task-specific performance is improved, but system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal robotic platform with interchangeable tool heads that can perform multiple pipeline rehabilitation tasks including inspection, cleaning, debris clearing, relining, and lateral cutting. The standardized interface allows different tool heads to be attached to the same robot body, eliminating the need for custom-designed robots for each task while maintaining task-specific performance through specialized attachments.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system is divided into modular components: a standardized robot platform and separate interchangeable tool heads. This segmentation allows each tool head to be optimized for its specific function while sharing the common robot platform, reducing overall system complexity and cost compared to building complete custom robots for each task.
2Device complexity
If fixed-functionality robotic systems are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different tasks and configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a universal robot platform with a standardized attachment interface that accepts various tool heads for different tasks. This allows a single simple platform to achieve high adaptability by swapping tool heads, combining the benefits of system simplicity with task versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system transitions from a static fixed-functionality design to a dynamic reconfigurable system where tool heads can be changed based on task requirements. The standardized interface enables quick reconfiguration without complex redesign, allowing the system to adapt dynamically to different pipeline rehabilitation tasks.
3Device complexity
If manual operation and analog feedback systems are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but precision and real-time control capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a digital feedback system with sensors that provide real-time data on robot position, tool status, and pipeline conditions. This digital feedback enables precise control and monitoring of robotic operations, improving measurement precision and real-time control capability while maintaining reasonable system complexity through modern digital communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual operation and analog feedback with automated digital control and sensing. Digital sensors and communication systems substitute for manual monitoring and analog signals, providing superior precision and real-time control while managing complexity through standardized digital interfaces and processing.
4Device complexity
If non-adaptive user interfaces are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but ease of operation is reduced when dealing with varied robotic components
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface automatically detects and adapts to the attached tool head and robotic components, configuring itself without requiring manual setup. The system self-identifies the connected components and adjusts the interface accordingly, making operation easier with varied components while keeping the underlying system simple through automated configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The user interface transitions from a static fixed layout to a dynamic adaptive interface that changes based on the attached tool head and system configuration. This dynamic interface automatically adjusts its display and controls to match the current robotic components, improving ease of operation while maintaining interface simplicity through automated adaptation.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and devices for the remote control of a robot which incorporates interchangeable tool heads. Although applicable to many different industries, the core structure of the system includes a robot with a tool head interface for mechanically, electrically and operatively interconnecting a plurality of interchangeable tool heads to perform various work functions. The robot and tool head may include several levels of digital feedback (local, remote and wide area) depending on the application. The systems include a single umbilical cord to send power, air, and communications signals between the robot and a remote computer. Additionally, all communication (including video) is preferably sent in a digital format. Finally, a GUI running on the remote computer automatically queries and identifies all of the various devices on the network and automatically configures its user options to parallel the installed devices. Systems according to the preferred embodiments find particular application in the pipeline arts. For example, interchangeable tool heads may be designed to facilitate inspection, debris clearing, cleaning, relining, lateral cutting after relining, mapping, and various other common pipeline-related tasks.