Conformable track assembly for a robotic crawler
US8002365B2 · kind B2 · utility
35Cited by
232References
19Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 13, 2007 |
| Grant date | Aug 23, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 13, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D55/305
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A suspension system for a lightweight robotic crawler is disclosed. The suspension system provides for mounting of a flexible endless track thereon. The suspension system includes a forward guide and a rearward guide around which the endless track can be looped. A deflector positioned between the forward guide and the rearward guide downwardly deflects a ground-engaging portion of the endless track to form a peaked area. The peaked area can support the lightweight robotic vehicle allowing alteration of a distribution of load over the ground-engaging portion of the endless track with respect to a supporting surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.