PERFORMANCE OF A KIND OF PERMANENT MAGNETICSUCKERSUSED IN WALL- CLIMBING ROBOTS

The magnetic circuit of a kind of permanent magnetic sucker attached to the tracks of a wall climbing robot was researched. The formula of the attractive force of sucker to a wall was derived and the relationship between the force and the air gaps was analyzed. Furthermore the effect of the parameters of the magnetic sucker on the sucker’s performance was discussed. The experiments show that proper selections of the sucker’s structural parameters can provide sufficient attractive force so as to make the wall climbing robot move safely on the steel wall surface.

Investigation on the Effect of the Tension Degree of Tracks on the Adsorption Performance of Tracked Wall Climbing Robot

In this paper,a new tracked wall climbing robot with permanent magnetic units is designed,and the tension degree of robot’s tracks is found to have a significant impact on the robot’s adsorption performance.This tracked wall climbing robot is a remotely controlled robot.All the control devices can be installed on the robot body.All the permanent magnetic units are arranged on the light track.In order to illustrate the relationship between the tension degree and the adsorption performance,when absorbed on the vertical surface and 180⁃degree inverted surface,the static force analysis of the robot is presented.Finally,experiments were demonstrated to prove that higher tension degree of tracks can make adsorption performance better.

Adsorption Performance of Sliding Wall-Climbing Robot

Sliding wall-climbing robot （SWCR） is applied worldwide for its continuous motion, however, considerable air leakage causes two problems： great power consumption and big noise, and they constraint the robot＇s comprehensive performance. So far, effective theoretical model is still lacked to solve the problems. The concept of SWCR＇s adsorption performance is presented, and the techniques of improving utilization rate of given adsorption force and utilization rate of power are studied respectively to improve SWCR＇s adsorption performance. The effect of locomotion mechanism selection and seal＇s pressure allocation upon utilization rate of given adsorption force is discussed, and the theoretical way for relevant parameters optimization are provided. The directions for improving utilization rate of power are pointed out based on the detail analysis results of suction system＇s thermodynamics and hydrodynamics. On this condition, a design method for SWCR-specific impeller is presented, which shows how the impeller＇s key parameters impact its aerodynamic performance with the aid of computational fluid dynamics （CFD） simulations. The robot prototype, BIT Climber, is developed, and its functions such as mobility, adaptability on wall surface, payload, obstacle ability and wall surface inspection are tested. Through the experiments for the adhesion performance of the robot adsorption system on the normal wall surface, at the impeller＇s rated rotating speed, the total adsorption force can reach 237.2 N, the average effective negative pressure is 3.02 kPa and the design error is 3.8% only, which indicates a high efficiency. Furthermore, it is found that the robot suction system＇s static pressure efficiency reaches 84% and utilization rate of adsorption force 81% by the experiment. This thermodynamics model and SWCR-specific impeller design method can effectively improve SWCR＇s adsorption performance and expand this robot applicability on the various walls. A sliding wall-climbing robot with high adhesion efficiency is developed, and this robot has the features of light body in weight, small size in structure and good capability in payload.

The Kinematics and Force Analysis of a New Leg Mechanism for Multi-legged Wall-Climbing Robot

This paper presents a new kind of leg mechanism with which the wall climbing robot can easily perform the ground to wall transition by itself.To get its walking envelope and limit position,the forward/inverse kinematics and the statics of the mechanism are solved.All of these lay the foundation for ground to wall transition gait programing,mechanism parameter selection and optimization.

Wall-climbing Robot with Negative Pressure Sucker Used for Cleaning Work

The Wall climbing Robot is a kind of robot used in extremely hazardous environment, which has very widely use. In this paper, we introduced a new kind of wall climbing robot, which are used in cleaning work. It was designed with single sucker and special designed sealing mechanism, which can be used to do cleaning work on ceramic and glasses surface of high buildings(about 70 meters).

Fault detection and identification based on combining logic and model in a wall-climbing robot

A combined logic- and model-based approach to fault detection and identification （FDI） in a suction foot control system of a wall-climbing robot is presented in this paper. For the control system, some fault models are derived by kinematics analysis. Moreover, the logic relations of the system states are known in advance. First, a fault tree is used to analyze the system by evaluating the basic events （elementary causes）, which can lead to a root event （a particular fault）. Then, a multiple-model adaptive estimation algorithm is used to detect and identify the model-known faults. Finally, based on the system states of the robot and the results of the estimation, the model-unknown faults are also identified using logical reasoning. Experiments show that the proposed approach based on the combination of logical reasoning and model estimating is efficient in the FDI of the robot.

Research on Alternatively Moving Vacuum Absorbing Wall-climbing Robot

In conection with the complex working-surroundings of the wall-climbing Robot, this paper researched akind of alternatively moving mechanism with good obstacle-surmounting ability and high moving speed, making use ofthe thought of bionics. This paper designed a kind of self-adjusting multi-vacuum sucker. Furthermore, it employedthe theory of vacuum system to establish the work mathematics madel of control switch to are sucking disc and presented the design parameter of the control switch. In addition, this paper made use of the thought of bionics to design aobstacle-surmounting mechanism used in wall-climbing robot. Also it employed the theory Of robotics to analyze the kinematics and the dynamics movement of die robot.

High-performance wall-climbingrobot for inspection and maintenance

A wall-climbing robot that can continuously work on many types of wall surfaces has been developed. This robot based on low-vacuum adsorption principle consists of a locomotion mecha- nism, a sealing device, a fluid machine and a detecting system. The adsorption force is analyzed in details and its influencing factors are given. The robot prototype, which has the features of high ad- hesion efficiency, light body in weight, small size in structure and good capability in payload, is test- ed in outdoor and indoor environments. Through the experiments, the influences of the impeller slit and the seal clearance are discussed. In addition, the robot functions such as adsorption perform- ance, locomotion performance and wall adaptability are tested by experiments. The experiments have verified that the robot not only can climb on many types of wall surfaces, but also has outstand- ing locomotion ability and payload capacity.

On Transit Gait Programming of Six-legged Wall-climbing Robot

Transit gait programming is a key problem for a multi-legged robot to climb automatically from the ground up the wall, as well as between wall intersections. In this paper, a new idea is put forward by which the complex transit gait is decomposed into a sequence of two relatively simpler parts - single-leg motion and body pitching motion. An algorithm based on the above concept shows its feasibility and effectiveness in the graphic kinematics simulation.

An Autonomous Wall-Climbing Robot for Inspection of Reinforced Concrete Structures: SIRCAUR

A wall-climbing inspection robot has been designed to climb on safety-critical concrete structures by adhering to reinforcement steel bars(rebars)using permanent magnets to generate the adhesion forces.Simulation and experimental validation have been performed to determine the optimum flux focusing magnet configurations with the robot operating on 30–35 mm of concrete cover over rebars arranged in different patterns.The goal of adhesion force optimization is to be able to carry a ground-penetrating radar(GPR)sensor which detects rebar corrosion,concrete delamination,and concrete cover deterioration.The autonomous robot uses an ultra-wide band localization system and GPR data to control its motion trajectories to avoid regions where there is an insufficient density of rebars.Nondestructive testing(NDT)inspection data acquired by GPR are transmitted wirelessly to a ground station for processing and monitoring by NDT technicians.

Design and analysis of a bisected wheel-based cable climbing robot

To inspect inner wires of the cylindrical cables on a cable-stayed bridge, a new bisected wheel-based cable climbing robot is designed. The simple structure and the moving mode are described and the static features of the robot are analyzed. A cable with a diameter of 139 mm is selected as an example to calculate the design parameters of the robot. For safety energysaving landing in the case of electrical system failure, an electric damper based on back electromotive force and a gas damper with a slider-crank mechanism are introduced to exhaust the energy generated by gravity when the robot is slipping down along the cables. A simplified mathematical model is analyzed and the landing velocity is simulated. For the present design, the robot can climb up a cable with diameters varying from 65 to 205 mm with payloads below 3.5 kg. Several climbing experiments performed on real cables confirm that the proposed robot meets the demands of inspection.

A Biomimetic Climbing Robot Based on the Gecko

The excellent climbing performance of the gecko is inspiring engineers and researchers for the design of artificial systems aimed at moving on vertical surfaces. Climbing robots could perform many useful tasks such as surveillance, inspection, repair, cleaning, and exploration. This paper presents and discusses the design, fabrication, and evaluation of two climbing robots which mimic the gait of the gecko. The first robot is designed considering macro-scale operations on Earth and in space. The second robot, whose motion is controlled using shape memory alloy actuators, is designed to be easily scaled down for micro-scale applications. Proposed bionic systems can climb up 65 degree slopes at a speed of 20 mm·s^-1.

Multi-Scale Compliant Foot Designs and Fabrication for Use with a Spider-Inspired Climbing Robot

Climbing robots are of potential use for surveillance, inspection and exploration in different environments. In particular, the use of climbing robots for space exploration can allow scientists to explore environments too challenging for traditional wheeled designs. To adhere to surfaces, biomimetic dry adhesives based on gecko feet have been proposed. These biomimetic dry adhesives work by using multi-scale compliant mechanisms to make intimate contact with different surfaces and adhere by using Van der Waals forces. Fabrication of these adhesives has frequently been challenging however, due to the difficulty in combining macro, micro and nanoscale compliance. We present an all polymer foot design for use with a hexapod climbing robot and a fabrication method to improve reliability and yield. A high strength, low-modulus silicone, TC-5005, is used to form the foot base and microscale fibres in one piece by using a two part mold. A macroscale foot design is produced using a 3D printer to produce a base mold, while lithographic definition of microscale fibres in a thick photoresist forms the ＇hairs＇ of the polymer foot. The adhesion of the silicone fibres by themselves or attached to the macro foot is examined to determine best strategies for placement and removal of feet to maximize adhesion. Results demonstrate the successful integration of micro and macro compliant feet for use in climbing on a variety of surfaces.

Critical Suction Characteristic Analyses of a Wall Climbing Robot

A new method called critical suction is used based on the wall climbing robot demands of miniature structure, moving smartly and low noise. It makes the robot achieve the homeostasis state in the suction cup, and in this condition the robot can stay on the wall reliably and move smartly. The fluid mechanics model and fluid network model are set up to analyze the robot suction system when the airflow is steady or changes suddenly. Furthermore, simulation results indicate the close relation between the key parameters of robot structure and the suction system. Finally the method of critical suction proves correct in theory.

On Maximal Weight Moment and Overturn Tendency of Multi-Sucker Wall-Climbing Mechanism

For a multi legged robot climbing on a vertical wall, how to increase its anti overturn capacity (AOC) and to detect overturn tendency are most important. They form the basis of off/on line gait programming and safety monitoring system. In the paper, after investigating the indeterminate statics of an insect like six legged wall climbing mechanism in various support patterns, the authors obtained the analytical expressions of maximal weight moment with respect to different support patterns, and the overturn tendency while payload was increased. As a side product, the authors find an unusual phenomenon governing the relationship between the robot's AOC and the number of functioning suckers, which is explained theoretically by distributed mass spring statics model.

Research on adsorption mechanism of wall climbing robots based on internally balanced theory

The internally balanced theory proposed by the Japanese researchers,solved the contradiction between adsorption ability and moving capability of the permanent magnetic adsorption mechanism.However,it still has some problems when applied to wall climbing robots.This paper analyzes and improves this theory,and the improved internally balanced theory satisfies the requirements of the adsorption mechanism significantly.Finally,a practical prototype is proposed based on this method,and both the analysis using ANSYS and the experiment results justify the design validity.

A Wall Climbing Robot with Two Driven Wheels

A wall climbing robot with two driven wheels and single adhering disk is introduced in this paper. The robot has a compact structure and can be controlled flexibly. This kind of robot will have a wide prospect for application.

Model of tri-sectional wheel-based cable climbing robot and analysis of centrifugal safety landing method

This paper proposes a new type of tri-sectional wheel-based cable climbing robot which is able to climb up vertical cylindrical cables of a cable-stayed bridge. The robot is composed of three pairs of wheels equally spaced circularly which are joined by six connecting boards to form a whole closed hexagonal body to clasp a cable. The whole design is entirely modular to enable to assenably the robot on-siteeasy eaoily. To analyze the static features of the robot, a mathematical model of climbing is deduced. Furthermore, taking a cable with a diameter of 80mm as an example, we calculate the design parameters of the robot. For safly landing in the case of electrical accident, a centrifugal speed regulator is proposed and applied to consume useless energy generated when the robot is slipping down along the cables. A simplified mathematical model of the landing mechanism is deduced. Finally, several experiments on the climbing mechanism demonstrate that the robot can carry payloads less than 2.2kg to climb up a cable with diameters varying from 65mm to 205mm.

Analysis of Mechanical Adhesion Climbing Robot Design for Wind Tower Inspection

Maintenance of wind turbine farms is a huge task,with associated significant risks and potential hazard to the safety and well-being of people who are responsible for carrying the tower inspection tasks.Periodic inspections are required for wind turbine tower to ensure that the wind turbines are in full working order,with no signs of potential failure.Therefore,the development of an automated wind tower inspection system has been very cnucial for the overall performance of the renewable wind power generation industry.In order to determine the life span of the tower,an investigation of robot design is discussed in this paper.It presents how a mechanical spring-loaded climbing robot can be designed and constructed to climb and rotate 360°around the tower.An adjustable circular shape robot is designed that allows the device to fit in different diameters of the wind generator tower.The rotational module is designed to allow the wheels to rotate and be able to go in a circular motion.The design further incorporates a suspension that allows the robot to go through any obstacle.This paper also presents a finite element spring stress analy sis and Simulink control system model to find the optimal parameters that are required for the wind tower climbing robot.

Design and motion control analysis of double helix wall climbing robot

For the detection environment of complex walls such as high-rise buildings,a double helix wall climbing robot(DHWCR)with strong adsorption force and good stability is designed and developed,which uses symmetrical propellers to provide adsorption force.The symmetrical driving structure can provide smooth thrust for the DHWCR,so that the robot can be absorbed to the wall surface with different roughness.A left and right control frame with multiple degrees of freedom is designed,which can adjust the fixed position of the brushless propeller motor in the front and back directions,realize the continuous adjustable thrust direction of the robot,and improve the flexibility of the robot movement.Using the front wheel steering mechanism with universal joint,the steering control of the DHWCR is realized by differential control.In the vertical to ground transition,the front and rear brushless motors can provide the pull up and oblique thrust,so that the DHWCR can smoothly transition to the vertical wall.The motion performance and adaptability of the DHWCR in the horizontal ground and vertical wall environment are tested.The results show that the DHWCR can switch motion between the horizontal ground and vertical wall,and can stably adsorb on the vertical wall with flexible attitude control.The DHWCR can move at a fast speed.The speed on the horizontal ground is higher than that on the vertical wall,which verifies the feasibility and reliability of the DHWCR moving stably on the vertical wall.