Wall-Climbing Robot Path Planning for Stable Lane Changes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing path planning methods for wall-climbing robots, particularly those used in ship derusting, face challenges such as inefficient straight crawling, inconsistency in derusting quality due to N-shaped or Z-shaped trajectories, and the tail falling phenomenon during horizontal operations, which reduces efficiency and requires manual adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A path planning method that includes establishing a spatial pose model, performing statics and kinetics analysis to determine crawling and steering capabilities, and implementing automated path planning for vertical and horizontal modes, including automatic lane changing and compensation for the tail falling phenomenon.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If straight crawling trajectory is used, then the robot structure is simple, but the derusting efficiency is low and the robot cannot crawl back and forth

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverobot structureVSAvoidderusting efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic path planning that allows the robot to automatically switch between straight crawling, N-shaped trajectory, and zigzag trajectory based on real-time operational needs. This dynamic adaptation enables the robot to maintain simple structure while achieving high derusting efficiency through automated trajectory selection and execution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If N-shaped (Z-shaped) trajectory is used, then the robot can change direction, but the derusting quality consistency is poor and steering performance requirements are high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirection changing capabilityVSAvoidderusting quality consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the robot's position, orientation, and operational status are continuously monitored. Based on this feedback, the path planning system automatically adjusts the trajectory to maintain consistent derusting quality across different sections, eliminating the quality inconsistency problems associated with manual N-shaped trajectories.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The robot performs self-navigation and self-adjustment through automated path planning, eliminating the need for high-precision manual steering operations. The system automatically calculates and executes the optimal trajectory, reducing both the skill requirement for operators and the variability in derusting quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If manual lane changing operation is used, then the operator can adjust the path, but the operation efficiency is reduced and experience dependency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual adjustment capabilityVSAvoidoperation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automated lane changing and path adjustment functions where the robot independently plans and executes its own trajectory modifications based on pre-set parameters and real-time conditions. This eliminates manual intervention entirely, improving operational efficiency while removing experience dependency through algorithmic decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Area of stationary object

If the robot travels horizontally, then the coverage area increases, but the tail falling phenomenon occurs and manual adjustment is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidrobot position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary counterbalancing actions by calculating the gravitational effects on the robot's components (including the high-pressure water pipe and recycling pipe) before horizontal movement. The path planning system pre-compensates for the tail falling phenomenon by adjusting the trajectory in advance, allowing the robot to maintain stable horizontal travel over extended distances without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

5Length of stationary object

If the climbing height increases, then the vertical coverage improves, but the center of gravity shifts and angle deviation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclimbing heightVSAvoidposition accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent calculates the shifting center of gravity and resulting angle deviation in advance based on the robot's mass distribution and climbing height. The path planning system pre-compensates for these changes by adjusting the trajectory parameters before execution, maintaining high position accuracy even at significant climbing heights without requiring manual adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentEP4354247B1Path planning method for wall-climbing robot
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 BEIJING SHIHE TECH CO LTD
  • EP4354247B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2(c)
  • EP4354247B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4354247B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a path planning method for a wall-climbing robot. The method includes the following steps: step 1, establishing a spatial pose model of a wall-climbing robot during a working process; step 2, performing statics analysis on the wall-climbing robot, and decomposing a resultant force G of the gravity of the wall-climbing robot itself and the gravity of a load borne by the wall-climbing robot; step 3, performing kinetics analysis on the wall-climbing robot, and analyzing the crawling capability and steering capability thereof; and step 4, performing path planning according to analysis results of the crawling capability and the steering capability. The method is used for solving the problems of a traditional robot being controlled by an operator using a wireless remote to control the movement, lane changing and straight walking of the robot, and the operator being required to continuously operate the robot during the whole process of operating same, which greatly consumes the time and energy of personnel and increases labor costs. By means of the present application, automated operation for path planning, straight walking and lane changing of a wall-climbing robot is implemented, so that an operator is freed from frequently operating a remote and performing real-time monitoring, and the robot is more intelligent.