Robotic system and methods of use

• US 8,544,573 B2
• Filed: 02/28/2012
• Issued: 10/01/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 04/06/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Guoxinruibo Technology Company Limited
• Original Assignee: RoboteX, Inc.
• Inventors: Gettings, Nathan D., Gettings, Adam M., Penn, Taylor J., Siler, Edward J. III, Stevens, Andrew G.
• Primary Examiner(s): WINNER, TONY H
• Application Number:
  US13/407,655
• Publication Number:
  US 20120152626A1
• Time in Patent Office: 581 Days
• Field of Search: 180/9, 180/9.1, 180/9.46, 180/7.1, 180/8.2, 180/8.7, 301/37.101, 301/37.102, 301/37.34, 301/37.42, 305/100, 305/1.7, 305/108, 305/109, 305/110, 305/315, 384/489
• US Class Current: 180/9.1
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 55/06 with tracks without ground wheels
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 55/075 Tracked vehicles for ascending or descending stairs, steep slopes or vertical surfacesmagnetic or pneumatic ground-engaging parts B62D55/265; chairs or multi-track cycles specially adapted for invalids A61G5/00
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 55/08 Endless track units; Parts thereof
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 55/0885 Self-cleaning sprockets
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 55/12 Arrangement, location, or adaptation of driving sprockets
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 901/01 Mobile robot

Abstract

A robotic system that can have a chassis and a track drive system is described. The track drive system can be configured to move the chassis. The track drive system can have a pulley, a pulley cap having a larger diameter than the pulley, and a track. The pulley cap can be rotationally fixed to the pulley. The track can be engagable and disengagable with the pulley cap. The methods of using and making the robotic system are also described.

Claims

1. A robotic vehicle system comprising:

a chassis; and

a track drive system configured to move the chassis, wherein the track drive system comprises a pulley, a pulley cap having a larger diameter than the pulley, and a track;

wherein the pulley cap is rotationally fixed to the pulley wherein the track is configured to be engagable with the pulley cap and disengagable with the pulley cap, and wherein when a first length of the track engages the pulley cap, the pulley cap and the first length of the track are mechanically mated.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the track is configured to be engagable with the pulley and disengagable with the pulley, and wherein when a first length of the track engages the pulley, the pulley and the first length of the track are mechanically mated.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the track comprises a pulley cap interface, and wherein pulley cap comprises a track interface, and wherein the pulley cap interface is configured to mechanically mate and mechanically disengage the track interface.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the pulley cap interface comprises a first nub.

6. The system of claim 2, wherein the track comprises a pulley interface.

7. The system of claim 2, wherein the track is tensioned on the pulley at more than 0.4 N.

5. The system of claim, wherein the track interface comprises a vane, and/or rib, and/or fin.

8. A robotic vehicle system comprising:

a chassis; and

a track drive system configured to move the chassis, wherein the track drive system comprises a pulley, a pulley cap having a larger diameter than the pulley, and a track;

wherein the pulley cap is rotationally fixed to the pulley wherein the track is engagable with the pulley and disengagable with the pulley, and wherein when a first length of the track engages the pulley, the pulley and the first length of the track are mechanically mated.

9. A robotic vehicle system comprising:

a chassis;

a shaft configured to rotate with respect to the chassis; and

a first track drive system comprising a pulley, a pulley cap, and a track;

wherein the pulley cap is rotationally fixed to the shaft, and wherein the pulley is configured to rotate with respect to the pulley cap

wherein the shaft comprises a first elongated element radially inside of a second elongated element, and wherein the first elongated element and second elongated element are configured to rotate with respect to the chassis, and wherein the first elongated element is configured to rotate independently of rotation of the second elongated element.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the first elongate element comprises an axle, and wherein the axle is rotationally fixed to the pulley cap.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the second elongated element comprises an axle sleeve, and wherein the axle sleeve is rotationally fixed to the pulley.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the pulley has a pulley interface, and wherein the axle sleeve is fixed to the pulley interface.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the pulley interface comprises a keyed interface at the terminal end of the axle sleeve.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein the pulley interface comprises a hexagonal port.

15. The system of claim 12, wherein the pulley interface comprises a pin hole.

16. A robotic vehicle system comprising:

a chassis;

a shaft comprising a first elongated element and a second elongated element;

wherein the first elongated element and the second elongated element are configured to rotate with respect to the chassis; and

a track drive system configured to move the chassis, wherein the track drive system comprises a pulley, a pulley cap, and a track;

wherein the pulley cap is fixed to the shaft, and wherein the pulley is fixed to the shaft, and wherein the shaft is configured to rotate the pulley cap and the pulley with respect to the chassis.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the pulley is fixed to the first elongated element.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the pulley cap is fixed to the second elongated element.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the first elongated element comprises an axle.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the second elongated element comprises an axle sleeve.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the axle is radially inside of the axle sleeve.

22. The system of claim 20, wherein the axle is configured to rotate independently of rotation of the axle sleeve.

23. The system of claim 18, wherein the second elongated element comprises an axle sleeve.