Wall crawling robots
US7872850B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 15, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jan 18, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 15, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02N13/00
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Described herein is electroadhesion technology that permits controllable adherence between two objects. Electroadhesion uses electrostatic forces of attraction produced by an electrostatic adhesion voltage, which is applied using electrodes in an electroadhesive device. The electrostatic adhesion voltage produces an electric field and electrostatic adherence forces. When the electroadhesive device and electrodes are positioned near a surface of an object such as a vertical wall, the electrostatic adherence forces hold the electroadhesive device in position relative to the surface and object. This can be used to increase traction or maintain the position of the electroadhesive device relative to a surface. Electric control of the electrostatic adhesion voltage permits the adhesion to be controllably and readily turned on and off.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.