Mobile Platform for Large Structures

Abstract

Proposed platform moves forward and in reverse, turns left and right, and changes planes. Mobile-platform concept proposed to move remote manipulators, workers, or other loads over truss panels on large structures. Platform moves at constant speed so does not cause swinging motion in hanging loads and overstress remote-manipulator arms. Transferred around corners to adjacent panels. Platform rides on sprocketed guide pins extending from structure at truss joints. Set of orthogonal tracks under platform slides on pins, which have enlarged heads to interlock with tracks. At least three tracks engage at least three pins at any position on panel so platform adequately and stably supported.