Remote controlled inspection vehicle utilizing magnetic adhesion to traverse nonhorizontal, nonflat, ferromagnetic surfaces
US6672413B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 27, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jan 6, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 29, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02N15/00
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A remote controlled inspection vehicle provides interchangeable modules, permitting the vehicle to be easily configured to perform a wide variety of tasks. The vehicle includes at least one frame module having a pair of drive modules on either side. Each drive module includes a continuous track surrounding a permanent magnet, and is dimensioned and configured to pivot around its longitudinal axis. The frame modules are dimensioned and configured to be hingedly secured to other frame modules, end effectors including various sensors for performing inspections, and tail units to assist in placing the vehicle in the desired environment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.