Cable suspended robot for industrial plants
US11597077B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 22, 2020 |
| Grant date | Mar 7, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 2, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05B2219/40273
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Cable-driven robotic platform systems and methods of operation are disclosed. The system includes a robotic platform suspended by a system of overhead cables, motorized cable reels and pulleys. A master control computer coordinates operation of the motorized cable system as a function of sensor data captured by navigation sensors on-board the platform so as to move the robotic platform inside an industrial plant. The system is configured to maneuver around pipings and avoid obstacles in the plant in order to maximize the effective workspace that the robotic platform can reach to perform operations including inspection or repair. Additionally, a robotic “wire jacket” device can be attached to suspension cables and configured to crawl along a cable. The wire-jacket can be selectively positioned on a cable to provide an intermediate cable suspension point that improves platform mobility within congested spaces and avoids obstacles.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.