摘要:
Adhesion devices for transport assemblies are configured to engage non-metallic surfaces. The transport assemblies can be wheels, such as omni-directional wheels, or can be a tractor tread assembly. The transport assembly is configured to move adjacent to a non-metallic surface of a structure. The transport assembly comprises an outer surface disposed adjacent to the non-metallic surface as the transport assembly moves, and a plurality of adhesion devices are each mounted to the outer surface and extend at least in a normal direction away from the outer surface. Each adhesion device is responsive to proximity to the non-metallic surface to adhere to the non-metallic surface. The adhesion devices in one or more embodiments include a Van der Waals-type adhesion device, a micro spine-type adhesion device, a suction cup-type adhesion device, or a combination of such devices.
摘要:
A four-wheeled articulated steering vehicle for terrain exploration. The four-wheeled articulated steering vehicle has a pair of robotic tethered two-wheel vehicles that dock, lock, and drive long distances as the four-wheeled, articulated steering vehicle. Two actuated docking mechanisms attached on opposite ends of a central module of the four-wheeled vehicle enable “sit/stand” functionality. The “sit” configuration is achieved by aligning each dock mechanism parallel or nearly parallel to the surface, allowing two-wheel vehicle to detach and explore while the other remains docked and serves as a backup. While ‘sitting’, the central module rests on the ground and is outfitted with shovel-style wedges for passive anchoring. In order to “stand”, the exploring two-wheel vehicle reattaches, locks, and both dock mechanisms are rotated until each two-wheel vehicle's caster arm is upright and the central module is lifted off the ground. Once upright, each two-wheel vehicle rotates about a pivot point for articulated, all-wheel steering, which is accomplished by applying differential wheel torques.
摘要:
A wheel set assembly having a plurality of sinusoidal channeled wheels. The sinusoidal channeled wheels having a sinusoidal channel disposed around a circular exterior surface of each of the sinusoidal channeled wheels. The wheel set assembly allows for better maneuverability and longevity in comparison to other materials handling equipment wheels because of the sinusoidal channels. The sinusoidal channels also provide heat dissipation along with the ability to push debris out of the way of the materials handling equipment.
摘要:
A four-wheeled articulated steering vehicle for terrain exploration. The four-wheeled articulated steering vehicle has a pair of robotic tethered two-wheel vehicles that dock, lock, and drive long distances as the four-wheeled, articulated steering vehicle. Two actuated docking mechanisms attached on opposite ends of a central module of the four-wheeled vehicle enable “sit/stand” functionality. The “sit” configuration is achieved by aligning each dock mechanism parallel or nearly parallel to the surface, allowing two-wheel vehicle to detach and explore while the other remains docked and serves as a backup. While ‘sitting’, the central module rests on the ground and is outfitted with shovel-style wedges for passive anchoring. In order to “stand”, the exploring two-wheel vehicle reattaches, locks, and both dock mechanisms are rotated until each two-wheel vehicle's caster arm is upright and the central module is lifted off the ground. Once upright, each two-wheel vehicle rotates about a pivot point for articulated, all-wheel steering, which is accomplished by applying differential wheel torques.
摘要:
A transformable wheel includes a wheel frame including a plurality of contact portions and a plurality of recessed portions. A plurality of transforming members is provided wherein one side of each transforming member is rotatably coupled to a corresponding one of the recessed portions and an outer surface of each transforming member forming a portion of the wheel frame. A rotating member is provided at one side surface of the wheel frame, and includes a plurality of transformation locking members arranged radially from the central axis of the wheel frame to correspond to the plurality of transforming members, respectively. A driving member is configured to rotate the rotating members by a preset angle about the central axis of the wheel frame.
摘要:
A circular wheel is aligned in a rotational plane and has a peripheral outfacing surface symmetrical about the plane of rotational. A center line of the width of the peripheral outfacing surface is sinusoidal around the wheel. The wheel may have a central hub, a rim, a medial wheel structure between the hub and the rim, and a tire mounted on the rim. The outfacing surface may be that of the hub, the medial wheel structure, the rim, or the tire depending on the application.
摘要:
A wheel lifting block apparatus includes a climbing block such as of rubber having a block abutting surface for placement against a tire tread and has a block traction surface facing outwardly from the tire tread; and block securing means for mounting the block on the circumferential tread surface of a tire after the tire has become embedded in a depression in a viscous surface to grip the viscous surface while lifting the tire relative to the viscous surface so that tire rotation causes the tire to climb out of the depression and advance to stable terrain. The block securing means preferably includes a strap slot extending through the block; and a strap having first and second strap ends and passing through the strap slot and having a length sufficient so that the first and second strap ends can wrap around a segment of a tire and through an opening in a vehicle wheel.
摘要:
A wall-crawling robot or other electroadhesive device can include a battery or other low voltage power source driving a motor that provides a primary device function, a voltage convertor adapted to convert the low voltage to a high voltage using the motor output, and electrodes configured to apply the high voltage to produce an electrostatic force between the electroadhesive device and a foreign substrate. The electrostatic force maintains a current position of the electroadhesive device relative to the foreign substrate, and the voltage convertor is separate from the primary function of the electroadhesive device. The primary function can be a mechanism for locomotion, and the voltage convertor can be a Van de Graff generator, a piezoelectric generator, or an inductive switch generator, any of which are driven in a secondary manner as a result of the motor output.
摘要翻译:爬行机器人或其他电动粘合装置可以包括驱动提供初级装置功能的电动机的电池或其它低压电源,适于使用电动机输出将低电压转换成高电压的电压转换器,以及配置的电极 以施加高电压以在电粘合装置和异物基板之间产生静电力。 静电力保持电子粘合装置相对于异物基板的当前位置,并且电压转换器与电粘合装置的主要功能分开。 主要功能可以是运动的机构,电压转换器可以是Van de Graff发电机,压电发电机或电感式开关发电机,其中任何一个都是由于电动机输出的二次驱动。
摘要:
A traction device for lawn equipment wheels comprising: a removable belt, where said belt is placed over the circumference of the wheel; a pin, where said pin secures the belt around the wheel; and a traction surface across the surface of the belt. The traction surface may include a plurality of chain assemblies or alternatively a plurality of pointed lugs. The pointed lugs may insert through a plurality of openings along the surface of the belt and the lugs include a pointed end and a head end.
摘要:
A traction device for vehicle wheels has an expandable and contractible member mounted next to the vehicle wheel. The traction device has a tire with extending studs that is expandable by air pressure to increase the diameter of the tire. The tire is contracted by releasing the pressurized air within. The tire is expanded to a diameter just larger than the vehicle wheels so that the studs will engage the roadway to provide traction. The tire may be inflated manually from a pressurized air source and deflated manually. A pressure source and control valves may be provided to control the inflation and deflation of the tire remotely.