Wall crawling robots

Details Wall crawling robots Wall crawling robots

2011-01-18

2011-01-18

Jackson, Stephen W (Department: 2836)

Electricity: electrical systems and devices

Electric charge generating or conducting means

Use of forces of electric charge or field

C901S001000, C446S431000, C446S433000

Reexamination Certificate

active

07872850

ABSTRACT:
Described herein is electroadhesion technology that permits controllable adherence between two objects. Electroadhesion uses electrostatic forces of attraction produced by an electrostatic adhesion voltage, which is applied using electrodes in an electroadhesive device. The electrostatic adhesion voltage produces an electric field and electrostatic adherence forces. When the electroadhesive device and electrodes are positioned near a surface of an object such as a vertical wall, the electrostatic adherence forces hold the electroadhesive device in position relative to the surface and object. This can be used to increase traction or maintain the position of the electroadhesive device relative to a surface. Electric control of the electrostatic adhesion voltage permits the adhesion to be controllably and readily turned on and off.

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