Modular robotic crawler
First Claim
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1. A method of tailoring a modular robotic crawler to perform a sequence of differing functions, comprising:
- selecting a plurality of segment modules from a preexisting collection of compatible segment modules providing different functionality based on a planned operational scenario of functions to be performed, the modules each having at least one intercoupleable interface, a first segment module having a first propulsion device for providing a first propulsion mode and a second segment module having a second propulsion device different from and independent of the first propulsion device for providing a second propulsion mode different from the first propulsion mode, wherein the first and second segment modules having the first and second propulsion devices, respectively, operate to cause locomotion of the robotic crawler independent of any other segment module and any other propulsion device; and
intercoupling the selected segment modules in a series arrangement to form a modular robotic crawler capable of performing the scenario of functions.
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Abstract
A modular robotic crawler can be formed by intercoupling a selected plurality of segment modules from a preexisting collection of differing compatible segment modules. The segment modules can have at least one intercoupleable interface. The selection can be based on a planned operational scenario of functions to be performed.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. A method of tailoring a modular robotic crawler to perform a sequence of differing functions, comprising:
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selecting a plurality of segment modules from a preexisting collection of compatible segment modules providing different functionality based on a planned operational scenario of functions to be performed, the modules each having at least one intercoupleable interface, a first segment module having a first propulsion device for providing a first propulsion mode and a second segment module having a second propulsion device different from and independent of the first propulsion device for providing a second propulsion mode different from the first propulsion mode, wherein the first and second segment modules having the first and second propulsion devices, respectively, operate to cause locomotion of the robotic crawler independent of any other segment module and any other propulsion device; and intercoupling the selected segment modules in a series arrangement to form a modular robotic crawler capable of performing the scenario of functions. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A modular robotic crawler system comprising:
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a plurality of segment modules linked in a sequential chain, the plurality of segment modules including at least one intermediary segment module; the at least one intermediary segment modules having; a segment body, a first coupler positioned at a first end of the segment body, and a second coupler positioned at a second end of the segment body, wherein the first coupler and second coupler are compatible so that a plurality of intermediary segments can be sequentially coupled; and wherein a first segment module comprises a first propulsion device for moving the modular robotic crawler, and wherein a second segment module comprises a second propulsion device different from and independent of the first propulsion device, wherein the first and second segment modules having the first and second propulsion devices, respectively, operate to cause locomotion of the robotic crawler independent of any other segment module and any other propulsion device. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A modular robotic crawler system comprising:
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a plurality of segment modules, the segment modules being alternatively attachable and detachable to each other at a coupler portion and intercompatible so that any segment module may be coupled to any other segment module, the plurality of segment modules, when coupled together, forming a multi-functional modular robotic crawler; a first segment module having a first propulsion device providing at least a first propulsion mode; and a second segment module having a second propulsion device different from and independent of the first propulsion device for providing at least a second propulsion mode different from the first propulsion mode, wherein the first and second segment modules having n the first and second propulsion devices, respectively, operate to cause locomotion of the robotic crawler independent of any other segment module and any other propulsion device. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification