Ceilix Vehicle is a novel overhead locomotion technology that offers unprecedented mobility & scalability. The technology allows multiple, omnidirectional vehicles suspended on a ceiling structure to operate freely next to each other.
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Cranes allow reaching every point in their workspace. However, operations are highly constrained and for instance, do not allow for any vertical interruption (like a pillar). Also, the number and mobility of parallel-operating cranes are highly constrained by their kinematics.
In contrast, overhead conveyors allow multiple transport units to operate close to each other. However, conveyors follow a predefined track and thus are also limited in mobility.
Ceilix Vehicle combines the benefits of traditional overhead operation systems such as cranes and overhead conveyors while minimizing constraints on motion and workspace.
Locomotion Mechanism
Ceilix’s locomotion system uses a caterpillar-like mechanism that is modified to mechanically interact with a special ceiling structure. This novel locomotion technology enables a vehicle to traverse the ceiling structure in all directions (omnidirectional) and hence can reach every point in the workspace.
The locomotion system uses a Form-Fit connection to interact with the ceiling structure. By design, this connection allows for high load capacity (up to tons range) combined with a great level of safety.
Ceilix Vehicle exists in passive and active versions. The active one relies on Omni-wheels to enable side motion, which combined with the track motion, allows for omnidirectional active motion. Active Ceilix vehicles can be battery-powered, or draw power from power lines embedded in the ceiling structure.
Space Applications Services has applied multiple patents on Ceilix locomotion technology.
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Ceilix Features
Multi-Vehicle Application Heterogenic Vehicle Usage Cooperative Operations (Increased Payload) Cooperative Operations (Change Orientation) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓