IPIR is a small robot designed to navigate through small diameter pipes and conduits in any orientation. The IPIR system design has been specifically developed to serve as a platform to carry inspection instruments such as cameras into the narrow confines of a pipe. Its principle design is a unique ?inchworm? movement that optimizes locomotion and position of the robot within the pipe. The operator will have the ability to accurately and reliably survey the inside of a piping system remotely.
The gripper subassembly provides a means of securing the IPIR to the inside of the pipe during deployment. It consists of three arm linkages that expand radially to force the pads against the inside of the pipe.
The navigation subassembly serves to guide the fore gripper under operator control. Flexible cables act like tendons to articulate a flexible spring rod. The fore gripper is attached to the end of this rod. Pneumatic cylinders provide force to actuate the cables. A central cylinder expands the assembly to thrust the fore gripper into the pipe and retract the aft sections.
The small IPIR is just one example of a custom robotic system designed and built by Electromechanica, Inc. Our core competencies in robotic pipe inspection systems can be scaled to almost any application. We can incorporate cameras, sensors and tools into the systems to meet specific task requirements. Our robots can be configured to operate in any fashion from clean dry pipes to dirty, wet or dangerous environments. Please contact one of our engineers today to discuss your pipe inspection application.
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