Transformable Robotic Platform and Methods for Overcoming Obstacles
First Claim
1. ) A robotic platform comprising:
- A) a first pair of tracks configured to propel the robotic platform bilaterally;
B) a second pair of tracks configured to propel the robotic platform bilaterally, a distal end of said second pair of tracks pivotally joined to a distal end of said first pair of tracks about an axis transverse to a direction of motion of said first pair of tracks and also transverse to a direction of motion of said second pair of tracks allowing pivoting of said second pair of tracks about said axis, and wherein said second pair of tracks are configured for shifting a center of gravity of the robotic platform from in front of said pivoting axis back to at least even with said pivoting axis.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A transformable robotic platform includes a main frame and a tiltable central assembly and two pairs of parallel tracks. A first pair of tracks is fixed to the main frame while a second pair of tracks is pivotable with respect to the main frame. The central assembly incorporates imaging means, designation means and operational means in a synchronized manner, thus simplifying the maneuvering of the robotic platform and the operation of its operational means by a remote operator. Tilting the central assembly as well as the second pair of tracks shifts the center of gravity of the robotic platform rearward decreasing downward gravitational force on the front end of the platform facilitating climbing over obstacles. Tilting the central assembly also provides double-sided operation and about face operation of the robotic platform without the need to perform maneuvers which flip over the entire robotic platform. The pivoting of second pair of tracks enables transformation of the robotic platform into a quasi pyramid position in order to provide a superior position for information gathering and for operation.
15 Citations
24 Claims
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1. ) A robotic platform comprising:
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A) a first pair of tracks configured to propel the robotic platform bilaterally; B) a second pair of tracks configured to propel the robotic platform bilaterally, a distal end of said second pair of tracks pivotally joined to a distal end of said first pair of tracks about an axis transverse to a direction of motion of said first pair of tracks and also transverse to a direction of motion of said second pair of tracks allowing pivoting of said second pair of tracks about said axis, and wherein said second pair of tracks are configured for shifting a center of gravity of the robotic platform from in front of said pivoting axis back to at least even with said pivoting axis. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. ) A method of overcoming an obstacle with a bilateral robotic platform comprising:
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A) bringing a front end of a first pair of tracks into proximity of the obstacle, and B) shifting a center of gravity of the bilateral robotic platform away from the obstacle by pivoting a second pair of tracks around an axis, said axis perpendicular to a direction of motion of said first pair of tracks and perpendicular to a direction of motion of said second pair of tracks;
said pivoting while said front end of said first pair of tracks remains in proximity of the obstacle. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. ) A method of raising a sensor of a bilateral robotic platform comprising:
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A) providing a revolute joint joining a distal end of a first pair of tracks to a distal end of a second pair of tracks; B) pivoting said second pair of tracks around said revolute joint to form a pyramid structure wherein a front end of said first pair of tracks forms a first base of said pyramid structure and a front end of said second pair of tracks forms a second base of said pyramid structure and said revolute joint forms an apex of said pyramid structure, and C) directing the sensor by pivoting around said revolute joint an operational assembly including the sensor.
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22. ) A method of reversing an operational direction of a robotic platform comprising:
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A) supplying a first pair of tracks and an operational assembly, said operational assembly configured to tilt around an axis, said axis perpendicular to a direction of motion of said first pair of tracks, and B) tilting said operational assembly from facing in a first operational direction to face in a second operational direction. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24)
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Specification