Development of a Wheel-Type In-Pipe Robot Using Continuously Variable Transmission Mechanisms for Pipeline Inspection

Abstract

Pipelines are embedded in industrial sites and residential environments, and maintaining these pipes is crucial to prevent leakage. Given that most pipelines are buried, the development of robots capable of exploring their interiors is essential. In this work, we introduce a novel in-pipe robot utilizing Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) mechanisms for navigating various pipes, including vertical and curved pipes. The robot comprises one air motor, three CVT mechanisms, and six wheels at the end of six slider-crank mechanisms, including three active and three idler ones. The slider crank and spring mechanism generate a wall press force through the wheel to prevent slipping inside the pipe. This capability allows the robot to climb vertical pipes and adapt to various pipe diameters. Moreover, by combining CVT mechanisms, whose speed ratios between the driver and driven pulleys are passively adjusted by the position of the slider, the robot achieves independent and continuous speed control for each wheel. This enables it to navigate pipes with various geometries, such as straight–curved–straight pipes, using only one motor. Since active control of each wheel is not needed, the complexities of the robot controller can be significantly reduced. To validate the proposed mechanism, MATLAB simulations were conducted, and in-pipe driving experiments were executed. Both simulation and experimental results have shown that the robot can effectively navigate curved pipes with a maximum speed of 17.5 mm/s and a maximum traction force of 56.84 N.