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Crawler Skid - Detailed Information |
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The LBV150SE-5 was created using the proven technology found in the SeaBotix LBV line of ROVs. By simply enhancing the core components with the new drive mechanism and patented Vortex VRAM the LBV150SE-5 offers a revolutionary new outlook on underwater inspections.
NOTE: the LBV150SE-5 with crawler skid is a liquid cooled device and does not work on dry land.
 LBV Foundation
The Crawler skid acts as a component of the LBV150SE-5 system. It is quickly attached by a single cable and the eight bolts securing the frame to the LBV150SE-5 frame. Once attached the LBV150SE-5 with skid operates as normal with the exception of the added weight and center of gravity. The operator control unit changes function slightly to enable control of the skid as well as attachment.
The auto heading and auto depth keys change to control the VRAM suction device and the mode select. Auto depth now turns the VRAM suction device on and off. Where the auto heading key alters the mode. There are three modes:
- ROV Mode - default mode where controls are the same as without the skid. Except the auto function keys mentioned earlier.
- Attach Mode - When the auto heading key is pressed once mode changes to Attach mode and illustrated on the video overlay. Functions changed are the lateral on the joystick now rolls the LBV rather than moving laterally. This feature enables the LBV to match the angle of the hard surface/ship hull for attachment.
- Crawl Mode - once attached to the hard surface the LBV is driven rather than flown. When in Crawl mode the joystick drives the wheels and not the thrusters. An odometer is displayed giving distance traveled.
Click to learn more about the LBV150SE-5.
 Drive Mechanism
Working with motor company Pittman a motor and gearbox package was designed to drive the wheels. It was decided to use four 150mm (6in) knobby tires that would offer adequate contact with the ship hull as well as provide clearance for obstacles. Four motor and gearbox combinations were installed in two custom axle housings. Wheel hubs were made and foam discs were mounted to the hubs to help with buoyancy. The knobby tires were then adhered to the foam creating a complete drive assembly.
The motor and gearbox combination is controlled by a proprietary motor controller and produces impressive amounts of torque and power enabling the LBV150SE-5 to travel at speeds up to 0.5m/sec (1.5ft/sec) or 30m/min (100ft/min). Although there are four drive motors, one for each wheel, they are controlled in pairs (port and starboard). This way the LBV150SE-5 turns on its axis, much like a tank, creating a very tight turning radius.
Vortex VRAM
Enabling the LBV150SE-5 to attach to virtually any hard surface is a unique and patented suction device. The device varies from a ducted prop resulting in smaller form factor and higher suction. Located on the underside of the skid the suction can be varied from 2.3 kgf (5 ft/lbs) to 28 kgf (62ft/lbs) using the hand controller. To give you an idea of how efficient the attractor is only 2.3 kgf (5 ft/lbs) is required to hold the LBV150SE-5 to the side of a pool and crawl.
How the VRAM creates the attraction is through a vortex. Imagine that as the impeller type device spins it pulls water up to the center of the impeller where it then is forced laterally to the skirt. The water is then forced perpendicularly down by the skirt and then recycled by the suction created from the center of the impeller. This whole process looks like a spring where both ends are bent around to joining together.
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