Bipedal isotropic lattice locomoting explorer: robotic platform for locomotion and manipulation of discrete lattice structures and lightweight space structures
US10046820B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 26, 2017 |
| Grant date | Aug 14, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 26, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05B2219/45083
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A robotic platform for traversing and manipulating a modular 3D lattice structure is described. The robot is designed specifically for its tasks within a structured environment, and is simplified in terms of its numbers of degrees of freedom (DOF). This allows for simpler controls and a reduction of mass and cost. Designing the robot relative to the environment in which it operates results in a specific type of robot called a “relative robot”. Depending on the task and environment, there can be a number of relative robots. This invention describes a bipedal robot which can locomote across a periodic lattice structure made of building block parts. The robot is able to handle, manipulate, and transport these blocks when there is more than one robot. Based on a general inchworm design, the robot has added functionality while retaining minimal complexity, and can perform numerous maneuvers for increased speed, reach, and placement.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.