Magnetic crawler vehicle with passive rear-facing apparatus
US11098854B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 26, 2019 |
| Grant date | Aug 24, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 19, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D61/02
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A robotic vehicle for traversing surfaces is provided. The vehicle is comprised of a front chassis section including a magnetic drive wheel for driving and steering the vehicle and a front support point configured to contact the surface. The vehicle also includes a rear chassis section supporting a follower wheel. The front and rear chassis sections are connected by joints including a hinge joint and a four-bar linkage. The hinge is configured to allow the trailing assembly to move side-to-side while the four-bar linkage allows the trailing assembly to move up and down relative to the front chassis. Collectively, the rear facing mechanism is configured to maintain the follower wheel in contact with and normal to the surface and also maintains the front support in contact with the surface and provides stability and maneuverability to the vehicle while traversing surfaces regardless of surface curvature and vehicle orientation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.