Communications spooler for a mobile robot
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A mobile platform comprising:
- a platform;
a drive system;
a drive system sensor that monitors the drive system of the mobile platform;
a cable handling system secured to the platform and having an outlet for dispensing and retrieving cable from the mobile platform; and
a system controller for controlling the cable handling system, the controller determining platform velocity according to the drive system sensor, and determining a substantially zero tension cable velocity based at least in part on platform velocity and on a position of the outlet with respect to a point around which the mobile platform turns.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A cable handling system mounted to a mobile robot to dispense and retrieve cable at zero tension includes a cable reel drive and a downstream tension roller drive that includes an idler. As a cable passes through the tension roller drive, position along the length of the cable and/or the cable speed is monitored accurately by a sensor attached to the idler. A system controller in communication with the sensor controls the cable reel drive and the tension roller drive for dispensing and retrieving cable downstream of the tension roller drive.
128 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A mobile platform comprising:
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a platform; a drive system; a drive system sensor that monitors the drive system of the mobile platform; a cable handling system secured to the platform and having an outlet for dispensing and retrieving cable from the mobile platform; and a system controller for controlling the cable handling system, the controller determining platform velocity according to the drive system sensor, and determining a substantially zero tension cable velocity based at least in part on platform velocity and on a position of the outlet with respect to a point around which the mobile platform turns. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method of automatically dispensing and retrieving a cable comprising:
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providing a cable handling system secured to a mobile platform; determining at least one of a position along a length of cable comprising a known length and a cable speed; and controlling the cable handling system and a movement of the mobile platform such that the cable downstream of the platform is dispensed and retrieved at substantially zero tension, by determining platform velocity and determining a substantially zero tension cable velocity based at least in part on platform velocity and on a position of a cable outlet from the cable handling system with respect to a point around which the mobile platform turns.
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13. A control system for cable management of a mobile platform comprising:
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a platform drive system including a sensor for determining platform velocity; and a system controller for dispensing and retrieving a cable from the mobile platform at substantially zero tension, the system controller determining an effective cable velocity based at least in part on platform velocity and determining a substantially zero tension cable velocity based at least in part on platform velocity and on a position of a cable outlet from the mobile platform with respect to a point around which the mobile platform turns.
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Specification