Segmented Surface Traverser With Whisker Drive for Rough Tunnels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing off-road vehicles and tunnel traversal devices are typically unitary, relying on fixed pneumatic cylinders, vibratory motors, or rigid bristles, which limit their adaptability and maneuverability in complex, irregular environments such as rough surfaces and narrow tunnels.

Innovation Solution

A non-unitary device with sections featuring a core and a drive sleeve, where the drive sleeve is reversibly movable relative to the core, and both are equipped with whiskers for mechanical communication, allowing for flexible movement and adaptability in confined spaces through reciprocal motion and adjustable whisker orientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a unitary device with fixed pneumatic cylinders and rigid bristles is used, then the device can maintain structural stability, but it cannot adapt to complex, irregular environments such as rough surfaces and narrow tunnels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to complex environmentsVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into multiple modular sections that can be connected in series. Each section contains its own drive mechanism (rotor and drive sleeve) and bristle rows, allowing the device to navigate complex geometries by bending at the joints between sections while maintaining adaptability to irregular surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The drive sleeve is made reversibly movable relative to the core through a rotor mechanism, allowing dynamic adjustment of the bristle orientation and contact with the movement medium. This enables the device to adapt to varying surface conditions and geometries by changing the configuration of its bristles in real-time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If vibratory motors are used for movement, then the device can traverse rough terrain, but the device lacks maneuverability in narrow tunnels and confined spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaneuverability in confined spacesVSAvoidmovement mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotor generates vibratory motion that is transmitted to the drive sleeve and bristles, enabling the device to traverse rough terrain through vibration-driven movement. The vibration causes the bristles to interact with the movement medium in a way that propels the device forward while maintaining the ability to maneuver in confined spaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

By dividing the device into multiple sections with independent drive mechanisms, each section can be controlled to navigate narrow tunnels and confined spaces separately, improving overall maneuverability while using vibration-based movement for traversing rough terrain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If all bristles are attached to the same chassis and moved by the same vibrator, then the device structure is simplified, but the device cannot achieve flexible movement or adjustable bristle orientation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexible movement capabilityVSAvoidbristle attachment structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bristles are divided into multiple rows attached to different components (core and drive sleeve) rather than all being attached to the same chassis. This segmentation allows independent control and adjustment of different bristle rows, enabling flexible movement and adaptable interaction with various surface geometries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 efficient movement across rough surfaces and through tunnels of varying geometry by maximizing contact area and adapting to changes in the movement medium, overcoming obstacles and navigating complex geometries with enhanced flexibility and control.

Implementation Method 1

A transducer is used to vibrate the device, such that it moves down the lumen

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

The outer surface of the fibers have an anisotropic coefficient of friction with the surface along which the device is to move

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12195116B2Surface traversing engine

Publication Date: 2025.01.14 HYSTRIX TECH LTD

AI summary

A device for moving across a surface, comprising at least one section. Each section comprises a core and a drive sleeve, with the drive sleeve at least partially overlapping the core and reversibly movable relative to the core. In each section, the drive sleeve has at least one row of whiskers and the core has at least one row of whiskers, the whiskers pointing outward from the section, the whiskers capable of supporting at least the weight of the section. For each section, the reciprocal motion of the core and drive sleeve is driven by a motor.