Design and analysis of extensible differential‐speed helical drive pipe dredging robot

To replace the manual labour involved in pipe dredging, this study proposes an extensible differential‐speed helical drive pipe dredging robot. The robot can be released in an inspection well to remove silt from a sewer pipe for routine maintenance. This robot consists of a differential drive system, an extensible helical drive element, a dredging plate, and a retractable feed screw. The extensible helical drive element is used to address the problem of diameter differences between the inspection well, sewage well, and drainpipe. The problem of dynamical dredging working conditions is studied by a detailed design of mechanical system. To analyze the operational process of the proposed robot, a virtual prototype is established using the ADAMS software. The simulation results show that the proposed robot can achieve the slurry‐flow operating state because of its reasonable structure and cutting, mixing, and conveying silt functions. The result presented in this study can help to improve energy efficiency and provide technical assistance for same type robots.