Robotic vehicle with multiple tracked mobility platforms
| DWPI Title: Robotic vehicles for use by e.g. search and rescue teams, used in e.g. hazardous applications, has fiber optic tether reel arranged to provide communication link between vehicle control module and remotely located operator control unit |
| Abstract: A robotic vehicle having two or more tracked mobility platforms that are mechanically linked together with a two-dimensional coupling, thereby forming a composite vehicle of increased mobility. The robotic vehicle is operative in hazardous environments and can be capable of semi-submersible operation. The robotic vehicle is capable of remote controlled operation via radio frequency and/or fiber optic communication link to a remote operator control unit. The tracks have a plurality of track-edge scallop cut-outs that allow the tracks to easily grab onto and roll across railroad tracks, especially when crossing the railroad tracks at an oblique angle. |
| Use: Robotic vehicles for use as mine rescue vehicles, for use by responders, search and rescue teams, police, security forces and military personnel, used in hazardous applications, semi-submersible applications, and non-hazardous terrestrial applications. |
| Advantage: The robotic vehicle can negotiate rugged terrain under the control of a remote operator and provide reconnaissance and communication within an environment that can be hazardous to humans and trained rescue animals. |
| Novelty: The robotic vehicle (100) has two tracked mobility platforms (102,104) each having dual tracks (110a-110d). The unlocked state the two degrees of freedom coupling is arranged to allow out-of-plane motion relative to and between tracked mobility platforms. A fiber optic tether reel (114) is arranged to provide a communication link between vehicle control module and remotely located operator control unit. A radio frequency communication module is arranged to provide another communication link between vehicle control module and remotely located operator control unit. |
| Filed: 4/22/2010 |
| Application Number: US2010765144A |
| Tech ID: SD 11356.0 |
| This invention was made with Government support under Contract No. DE-NA0003525 awarded by the United States Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration. The Government has certain rights in the invention. |
| Data from Derwent World Patents Index, provided by Clarivate All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Clarivate content, including by framing or similar means, is prohibited without the prior written consent of Clarivate. Clarivate and its logo, as well as all other trademarks used herein are trademarks of their respective owners and used under license. |