Climbing vehicle with suspension mechanism
US9428231B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 12, 2014 |
| Grant date | Aug 30, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 18, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D55/265
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A climbing vehicle capable of high payload to weight ratio and capable of climbing surfaces with geometric variations is enabled through a suspension mechanism consisting of a resilient runner chain. The resilient runners contain adhering members such as magnets that create forces directed toward a ferrous climbing surface. The resilient runner has flexibility and internal stiffness or additional springs that transfer these forces to the climbing vehicle chassis and payload to provide equilibrium during the climbing process. It is able to conform to a large range of surface irregularities while providing push and pulling forces between the adhering members and the climbing vehicle chassis to uniformly distribute the climbing loads on the adhering members. The result is a climbing machine that can accommodate large surface irregularities while maximizing the climbing payload with a minimum number and size of adhering members.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.