High velocity microbot
US8210289B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 12, 2010 |
| Grant date | Jul 3, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 19, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D57/02
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A microbot includes a spherical housing, first and second servomotors that are located internal to the housing and oriented horizontally and orthogonal to each other, and a plunger within the housing that selectively extends in the vertical direction. Castors are attached to each servomotor; and traction balls corresponding to each castor are placed so that each ball frictionally engages both a respective castor and the interior of the housing at the same time. As the servomotors rotate, the attached castors also rotate, which causes rotation of the traction balls and rolling of the housing, and results in translation of the microbot in the horizontal plane. As the plunger rapidly extends, it strikes the interior surface of the housing with sufficient force to cause a hopping motion of the microbot in the vertical direction.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.