A Compliant Mechanism for Inspecting Extremely Confined Spaces
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
A compliant mechanism for inspecting extremely confined spaces, which utilizesthe concept of super-clastic nitinol tubed needles.
美国
