Vertical Surface Drone With Pneumatic Wall Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vertical surface drones face limitations in mobility on surfaces where vacuum generation is impossible or difficult, such as rough or hollow structures, and they consume excessive power due to motor-driven vacuum systems.

Innovation Solution

A drone that uses compressed air from a reservoir or compressor to generate force against vertical surfaces via adjustable nozzles, eliminating the need for vacuum and reducing power consumption by decentralizing the motor system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If vacuum-based systems are used to attach the device to the wall, then the device can stabilize on vertical surfaces, but it cannot move on surfaces that are too rough or hollow where vacuum generation is impossible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to move on diverse surfacesVSAvoidvacuum generation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces vacuum-based attachment with a pneumatic system that uses compressed air delivered through hoses to the device. The compressed air is discharged through nozzles oriented against the wall surface, creating a pressure force that presses the device against the wall. This pneumatic approach works on all surface types including rough or hollow surfaces where vacuum generation fails, as it directly applies pressure rather than attempting to create a vacuum seal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Reliability

If motor-driven vacuum systems are used to generate suction, then the device can attach to vertical surfaces, but power consumption becomes excessive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment stabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a pneumatic system with compressed air delivered through hoses, which consumes significantly less power than motor-driven vacuum systems. The compressed air can be supplied from external sources such as building ventilation systems, allowing the device to attach to vertical surfaces without requiring high-power motors, thus reducing overall power consumption while maintaining attachment stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Ease of operation

If vacuum systems are used to move the device along the wall, then the device can maintain attachment, but it cannot operate on surfaces where vacuum generation is impossible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemobility on vertical surfacesVSAvoidsurface compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a pneumatic propulsion system where compressed air is delivered through hoses to the device, and nozzles are oriented to discharge air against the wall surface. This creates a pressure force that propels the device along the wall while maintaining attachment. This system operates on all surface types including rough or hollow surfaces, providing both mobility and surface compatibility where vacuum systems fail.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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

Enables mobility on diverse surfaces and reduces power consumption by using compressed air, allowing stable attachment and maneuverability without vacuum, suitable for applications where vacuum-based systems fail.

Implementation Method 1

releasing compressed air... the greater the force that pushes the device against the surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompressed air force: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP4516647B1Device moving on vertical surfaces
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 UNIV ZIELONOGORSKI
  • EP4516647B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4516647B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention discloses a device moving along vertical surfaces comprising a body, a control system, a compressed air source, a compressed air inlet, controllable by adjusting the diameter and/or position of the outlet nozzles, a crash sensor, a distance sensor, fixed wheels and a 360-degree swivel wheel.