Margaret M Coad

Title: Innovations by Margaret M Coad

Introduction

Margaret M Coad is an accomplished inventor based in Mishawaka, IN (US). She has made significant contributions to the field of robotics, particularly in the development of soft growing robots. With a total of 2 patents, her work focuses on enhancing the functionality and adaptability of these innovative devices.

Latest Patents

One of her latest patents is a device designed to allow the retraction of soft growing robots without buckling. This technology provides a method for controlling the motion of soft growing robots during retraction, preventing uncontrollable buckling or bending. The invention features a double-walled flexible tubular robot with an inside wall, an outside wall, and a folded tip. A retraction device located at the folded tip includes a routing aperture that encompasses the inside wall, allowing for the controlled retraction of the inside wall material. This advancement enables the robot to grow in one direction and then retract to grow in another, as well as to navigate confined spaces without exerting force on the surrounding environment.

Another notable patent involves the deployment of distributed sensor networks using soft growing robots. This invention includes sensor bands distributed at intervals along the flexible tube, each wrapped circumferentially around its diameter. Each sensor band is equipped with multiple sensors and semi-rigid islands containing microcontrollers, which communicate signals to an aggregator microcontroller at the base of the robot. The encasing of the sensor network is designed to be flexible, allowing for growth while protecting the sensors.

Career Highlights

Margaret M Coad is affiliated with Leland Stanford Junior University, where she continues to innovate and contribute to the field of robotics. Her work has garnered attention for its potential applications in various industries, including healthcare and environmental monitoring.

Collaborations

She has collaborated with notable colleagues such as Rachel Thomasson and Laura H Blumenschein, further enhancing the impact of her research and inventions.

Conclusion

Margaret M Coad's contributions to the field of robotics through her innovative patents demonstrate her commitment to advancing technology. Her work not only addresses current challenges in robotics but also opens new avenues for future research and applications.