Snake-like robot
AssigneeFLX Solutions, Inc.
InventorMatthew Bilsky
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A snake-like robot includes a first link having a first distal end, a first proximal end, and a first longitudinal axis extending between the first distal end and the first proximal end. A second link has a second proximal end, a second distal end operatively coupled to the first proximal end, and a second longitudinal axis extending between the second proximal end and the second distal end. Rotation of the first link relative to the second link alternatively performs the following effects: elongation of the robot; pivoting of the first longitudinal axis relative to the second longitudinal axis; and rotation of the first longitudinal axis relative to the second longitudinal axis.
Claims16
A robot link comprising:
- an inner cylinder extending along a central longitudinal axis;
- a support device disposed inside the inner cylinder, the support device having a longitudinal passage extending therethrough;
- a bearing assembly located within the inner cylinder;
- and
- a motor supported by the support device;
- and
- a rotor sleeve support disposed between the inner cylinder and the support device,
- wherein the support device, the bearing assembly, the motor, and the rotor sleeve support are all housed within the inner cylinder, and
- wherein the rotor sleeve support comprises a distal lip, and wherein the bearing assembly is supported by the distal lip.
A robot link comprising:
- an inner cylinder extending along a central longitudinal axis;
- a support device disposed inside the inner cylinder, the support device having a longitudinal passage extending therethrough;
- a bearing assembly located within the inner cylinder;
- and
- a motor supported by the support device;
- and
- a rotor sleeve support disposed between the inner cylinder and the support device,
- wherein the support device, the bearing assembly, the motor, and the rotor sleeve support are all housed within the inner cylinder and, wherein the support device comprises an intermediate spool portion having a body, a proximal lip connected to a first end of the body, and a distal lip connected to a second end of the body, the intermediate spool portion being of unitary construction.
A robot link comprising:
- a support device having a central through passage, a distal portion, a proximal portion, and an intermediate portion, the intermediate portion having a spool, wherein the spool comprises a body, a proximal lip connected to a first end of the body, and a distal lip connected to a second end of the body, the intermediate spool portion being of unitary construction, and wherein the spool further includes a space formed between the proximal lip and the distal lip, and wherein the space is configured to support electronic drivers;
- a bearing assembly disposed radially outwardly of the support device;
- and
- a motor disposed on the distal portion radially outwardly of the support device,
- wherein the central through passage, the bearing assembly, and the motor all extend along a common central longitudinal axis.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.