Drive module for submersible autonomous vehicle
First Claim
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1. A self-contained drive module for attachment to an exterior of a submersible autonomous vehicle, the drive module comprising:
- a propulsion element configured to engage and rotate against a surface;
a motor configured to drive the propulsion element;
a controller configured to cause the motor to drive the propulsion element; and
a housing configured to be removably coupled to the exterior of the submersible autonomous vehicle, wherein the motor and the controller are disposed substantially within the housing.
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Abstract
A drive module for submersible autonomous vehicles is disclosed. The drive module includes a propulsion element configured to engage and rotate against a surface, a motor configured to drive the propulsion element, and a controller configured to cause the motor to drive the propulsion element. The drive module also includes a housing configured to be removably, releasably coupled to the exterior of a submersible autonomous vehicle. The motor and the controller are disposed within the housing.
69 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A self-contained drive module for attachment to an exterior of a submersible autonomous vehicle, the drive module comprising:
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a propulsion element configured to engage and rotate against a surface; a motor configured to drive the propulsion element; a controller configured to cause the motor to drive the propulsion element; and a housing configured to be removably coupled to the exterior of the submersible autonomous vehicle, wherein the motor and the controller are disposed substantially within the housing. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A submersible autonomous pool cleaner comprising:
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a main body including; an exterior surface; a fluid drive mechanism configured to propel the submersible autonomous pool cleaner along a surface of a pool; and a control system operable to control the fluid drive mechanism; and a drive module releasably coupled to the exterior surface of main body, operatively coupled to the control system and also configured to propel the submersible autonomous pool cleaner along a surface of a pool, the drive module comprising;
a propulsion element;
a motor configured to drive the propulsion element; and
a controller configured to cause the motor to drive the propulsion element. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
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17. A method of driving a submersible autonomous vehicle comprising:
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removably coupling a drive module to an exterior of a submersible autonomous vehicle, the submersible autonomous vehicle including an internal propulsion system and the drive module including a propulsion element, a motor configured to drive the propulsion element, and a controller configured to cause the motor to drive the propulsion element; establishing a communication connection between the drive module and the submersible autonomous vehicle; receiving drive instructions at the drive module; and driving the submersible autonomous vehicle with at least one of the drive module and the internal propulsion system in response to the drive instructions, wherein the controller causes the motor to drive the propulsion element when the drive instructions indicate that propulsion from the drive module is required. - View Dependent Claims (18)
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Specification