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A Compliant Mechanism for Inspecting Extremely Confined Spaces

Technology Benefits

Ableto navigate past multiple 90° bends using only control forces applied at theentrance of the extremely confined space without suffering yieldingAmenableto waterproofingHasbeen demonstrated to work at lengths greater than seven meters, which is novelfor continuous robotics mechanismsThenovel design prevents undue weight from wheels and power supply tethers thatimpede locomotion and restrict maximum travel distancePotentialfor emerging miniature imaging technology for infrastructure inspectionPotentialfor inspecting soils through piercing the steerable needle and directing itbelow groundThesmooth outer surface of the compliant mechanism facilitates the ability todecontaminate the mechanism after use in contaminated environmentsThedevice is optimal for use in inspecting extremely confined spaces, particularlyin irradiated spaces that would cause power electronics failure in electromechanicallyoperated mechanisms

Detailed Technology Description

A compliant mechanism for inspecting extremely confined spaces, which utilizesthe concept of super-clastic nitinol tubed needles.

*Abstract

Unlikeelectromechanically operated mechanisms, super-clastic nitinol tubes arecompletely mechanical, allowing them to operate in extremely confined spacesthat feature environmental hazards like radiation.

*Background

Extremely confined spaces are commonly encounteredduring infrastructure inspection. Examples of such spaces can include pipes,conduits, and ventilation ducts. These spaces are commonly very long andslender. In real-world applications, these spaces are often partiallyobstructed with mud, rust, and organic matter. Often these infrastructurefeatures go uninspected simply because there is no viable way to access theirinterior. In addition, it is common for extremely confined spaces to possess amaze-like architecture that must be selectively navigated in order to properlyperform an inspection. Efforts by the imaging sensor community have resulted inthe development of imaging sensors on the millimeter length scale. Due to theircompact size, they are able to inspect many extremely confined spaces ofinterest; however, the means to deliver these sensors to the proper location toobtain the desired images are lacking.  Typicaltechniques used for directing robots down long, slender passageways include theuse of wheels and treads. Unfortunately, these solutions do not lend themselveswell to extremely confined spaces. There exists a market need for a devicecapable of delivering imaging sensors into extremely confined spaces forinspection.

*Inquiry

STC has filed intellectual property on this exciting new technology and is currently exploring commercialization options. If you are interested in information about this or other technologies, please contact Arlene Mirabal at amirabal@stc.unm.edu or 505-272-7886.

*Publications

Acompliant mechanism for inspecting extremely confined spaces

Country/Region

USA