ROBOTIC VEHICLE DECK ADJUSTMENT
First Claim
1. A method performed by a robotic vehicle for climbing a step, the method comprising, in order substantially as recited:
- approaching the step;
pivoting tracked flippers upward to engage an edge of the step;
pivoting the tracked flippers downward to engage a top of the step;
driving the vehicle forward on driven tracks different from the tracked flippers;
rotating each of first and second pivots at opposite ends of a linkage that connects a payload deck to a chassis of the robotic vehicle to position the center of gravity of the payload deck and any removable payload thereon beyond the front end of the chassis and beyond the edge of the step;
moving the center of gravity of the payload deck and any removable payload thereon further beyond the front end of the chassis, thereby causing the deck to tilt with respect to the chassis; and
driving the vehicle forward to pull the chassis over the edge of the step.
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A robotic vehicle is disclosed, which is characterized by high mobility, adaptability, and the capability of being remotely controlled in hazardous environments. The robotic vehicle includes a chassis having front and rear ends and supported on right and left driven tracks. Right and left elongated flippers are disposed on corresponding sides of the chassis and operable to pivot. A linkage connects a payload deck, configured to support a removable functional payload, to the chassis. The linkage has a first end rotatably connected to the chassis at a first pivot, and a second end rotatably connected to the deck at a second pivot. Both of the first and second pivots include independently controllable pivot drivers operable to rotatably position their corresponding pivots to control both fore-aft position and pitch orientation of the payload deck with respect to the chassis.
73 Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method performed by a robotic vehicle for climbing a step, the method comprising, in order substantially as recited:
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approaching the step; pivoting tracked flippers upward to engage an edge of the step; pivoting the tracked flippers downward to engage a top of the step; driving the vehicle forward on driven tracks different from the tracked flippers; rotating each of first and second pivots at opposite ends of a linkage that connects a payload deck to a chassis of the robotic vehicle to position the center of gravity of the payload deck and any removable payload thereon beyond the front end of the chassis and beyond the edge of the step; moving the center of gravity of the payload deck and any removable payload thereon further beyond the front end of the chassis, thereby causing the deck to tilt with respect to the chassis; and driving the vehicle forward to pull the chassis over the edge of the step. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification