摘要:
A robotic vehicle including a chassis having front and rear ends, an electric power source supported by the chassis, and multiple drive assemblies supporting the chassis. Each drive assembly including a track trained about a corresponding drive wheel and a drive control module. The drive control module including a drive control housing, a drive motor carried by the drive control housing and operable to drive the track, and a drive motor controller in communication with the drive motor. The drive motor controller including a signal processor and an amplifier commutator in communication with the drive motor and the signal processor and is capable of delivering both amplified and reduced power to the drive motor from the power source. In one instance, the drive control module is separately and independently removable from a receptacle of the chassis as a complete unit.
摘要:
A robotic vehicle including a chassis having front and rear ends, an electric power source supported by the chassis, and multiple drive assemblies supporting the chassis. Each drive assembly including a track trained about a corresponding drive wheel and a drive control module. The drive control module including a drive control housing, a drive motor carried by the drive control housing and operable to drive the track, and a drive motor controller in communication with the drive motor. The drive motor controller including a motor controller logic circuit and an amplifier commutator in communication with the drive motor and the motor controller logic circuit and is capable of delivering both amplified and reduced voltage to the drive motor from the power source. In one instance, the drive control module is separately and independently removable from a receptacle of the chassis as a complete unit.
摘要:
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide robotic control modules for use in a robotic control system of a vehicle, including structures, systems and methods, that can provide (i) a robotic control module that has multiple functional circuits, such as a processor and accompanying circuits, an actuator controller, an actuator amplifier, a packet network switch, and a power supply integrated into a mountable and/or stackable package/housing; (ii) a robotic control module with the noted complement of circuits that is configured to reduce heat, reduce space, shield sensitive components from electromagnetic noise; (iii) a robotic control system utilizing robotic control modules that include the sufficiently interchangeable functionality allowing for interchangeability of modules; and (iv) a robotic control system that distributes the functionality and processing among a plurality of robotic control modules in a vehicle.
摘要:
Systems and methods for switching between autonomous and manual operation of a vehicle are described. In one embodiment, there is a mechanical control system that receives manual inputs from a mechanical operation member to operate the vehicle in manual mode. There is further an actuator that receives autonomous control signals generated by a controller. When the actuator is engaged, it operates the vehicle in an autonomous mode, and when disengaged, it operates the vehicle in manual mode. In another embodiment, there is an E-Stop system to disengage systems that cause the vehicle to move, such as the engine, while still leaving power in the systems that do not cause the vehicle to move. There is a method for autonomous mode starting of a vehicle, comprising receiving a signal indicating autonomous mode, determining that a parking brake lever is set and the brakes are engaged, disengaging the brakes while maintaining the lever in the set position, and engaging in autonomous mode. There is a safety system with a mechanical bias to suppress moveable systems of the vehicle, comprising a clutch that releases the mechanical bias to permit movement of the moveable system when the clutch is engaged. In another embodiment a system comprises a mechanical linkage with a restoration member that permits control of an operation system of the vehicle by a remote operation member when the restoration member is engaged. There is also an actuator that prohibits control of the operation system by the remote operation member when the actuator is engaged.