Unknown Organization (20240254839). BIOINSPIRED HORIZONTAL SELF-BURROWING DEVICE simplified abstract

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BIOINSPIRED HORIZONTAL SELF-BURROWING DEVICE

Organization Name

Unknown Organization

Inventor(s)

Junliang Tao of Chandler AZ (US)

Sichuan Huang of Tempe AZ (US)

Yong Tang of Tempe AZ (US)

Yi Zhong of Tempe AZ (US)

BIOINSPIRED HORIZONTAL SELF-BURROWING DEVICE - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240254839 titled 'BIOINSPIRED HORIZONTAL SELF-BURROWING DEVICE

Simplified Explanation: The patent application describes a burrowing apparatus that can move horizontally in granular mediums. It consists of two segments connected by a linear actuator, with the anterior segment having a rotating conical tip for improved movement.

Key Features and Innovation:

  • Burrowing apparatus with anterior and posterior segments connected by a linear actuator.
  • Anterior segment includes a conical tip that can rotate.
  • Linear actuator extends and contracts to facilitate horizontal movement in granular mediums.
  • Kinetic asymmetry created by rotating conical tip aids in translation.

Potential Applications: The technology can be used in geotechnical subsurface investigation, extraterrestrial exploration, underground contamination detection, and precision agriculture.

Problems Solved: The burrowing apparatus addresses the need for efficient horizontal movement in granular mediums for various applications.

Benefits:

  • Enhanced horizontal translation in granular mediums.
  • Improved efficiency in subsurface investigation and exploration.
  • Precise movement for agriculture and contamination detection.

Commercial Applications: Potential commercial applications include equipment for geotechnical surveys, exploration tools for space missions, contamination detection devices, and precision agriculture machinery.

Questions about Burrowing Apparatus: 1. How does the rotating conical tip improve the movement of the burrowing apparatus? 2. What are the specific advantages of using this technology in extraterrestrial exploration?

Frequently Updated Research: Ongoing research may focus on optimizing the design of the burrowing apparatus for specific applications and improving its efficiency in various environments.


Original Abstract Submitted

a burrowing apparatus may comprise an anterior segment and a posterior segment coupled by a linear actuator that is configured to extend and contract the distance between the anterior segment and the posterior segment to effectuate horizontal translation of the burrowing apparatus in a granular medium. the anterior segment may further comprise a conical tip. the conical tip may be configured to rotate relative to the anterior segment, and the conical tip may be an auger. the rotation of the conical tip while the linear actuator extends and contracts may create kinetic asymmetry that may be beneficial to the net horizontal translation in the granular medium. the burrowing apparatus may be advantageously used in applications, for example, in geotechnical subsurface investigation, extraterrestrial exploration, underground contamination detection, and precision agriculture.