Electromagnet-based rolling robot
US8788130B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 29, 2012 |
| Grant date | Jul 22, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 13, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05D1/0259
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A rolling device configured to adhere to and roll over a ferrous surface comprising: a structure, a controller, an inertial measurement unit (IMU), and a plurality of electromagnets. The structure has inner and outer surfaces and a closed-shape cross section. The electromagnets are mounted to the inner surface and distributed over a periphery of the structure. The controller is operatively coupled to each of the electromagnets. The IMU is mounted within the structure and operatively coupled to provide inertial measurements to the controller. The controller is configured to cause the structure to roll over the ferrous surface in a desired direction by selectively energizing individual electromagnets while de-energizing other electromagnets.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.