AGV-Actuated Laser Reflector Cleaning Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The laser alignment system in flexible manufacturing systems often faults due to a dirty floor-mounted reflection device, leading to manufacturing line shutdowns and productivity losses, as existing solutions require manual intervention for cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device actuated by an automatic guided vehicle (AGV) that passes over the reflector, using a brush or similar cleaning mechanism to maintain reflector cleanliness without additional motors or electricity, ensuring continuous operation by integrating with the AGV's movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning of the reflector is performed, then the reflector cleanliness is improved, but the manufacturing line shutdown time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is positioned and configured to clean the reflector surface before dirt accumulation causes alignment system faults. The brush contact member is pre-positioned to engage with the reflector, and the AGV is scheduled to pass by the reflector location during its normal operational path, performing cleaning proactively rather than reactively after contamination occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the AGV's own movement and operational path to power and execute the cleaning function. The AGV's motor-driven motion provides the mechanical force needed to actuate the cleaning device, eliminating the need for separate cleaning motors or energy sources. The reflector cleaning is performed as part of the AGV's normal operational cycle without requiring additional energy input or manual intervention.
2Reliability
If a dedicated cleaning system with motors and electricity is installed, then the reflector cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The AGV serves multiple functions: it performs material transport tasks and simultaneously provides the actuating force for reflector cleaning. The cleaning device integrates the AGV's motor-driven motion mechanism with the cleaning function, allowing the same motor that drives the AGV to also power the cleaning brush through mechanical coupling during the AGV's passage by the reflector location.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system is self-actuating through the AGV's own operational movement. The mechanical energy required for cleaning is derived from the AGV's normal operational motion, eliminating the need for separate cleaning motors, control systems, or electrical infrastructure. The system uses readily available mechanical energy from the AGV's drive mechanism to perform the cleaning function.
3Extent of automation
If the AGV projection contacts the cleaning device to actuate it, then the cleaning automation is improved, but the risk of contact between AGV and manufacturing line increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is physically separated from the main manufacturing line equipment and positioned in a location where the AGV can access it during its normal travel path without risking contact with production equipment. The reflector is mounted on a support structure that positions it away from the manufacturing line, allowing the AGV's projection to contact the cleaning device's actuating surface without the AGV coming into contact with any manufacturing line components.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector and its support structure serve as an intermediary element between the AGV and the cleaning device. The AGV's projection contacts the cleaning device through the reflector mounting structure, which acts as a mediator that transfers the actuating force while maintaining physical separation between the AGV and the manufacturing line equipment. This intermediary structure enables automated actuation while preventing harmful contact.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Prevents manufacturing line faults by maintaining reflector cleanliness, reducing downtime and operational costs through automated and integrated cleaning within the AGV's normal operations, ensuring uninterrupted production.
Implementation Method 1
a ceiling-mounted laser that emits a laser beam toward a floor-mounted reflection device
Implementation Method 2
using a brush or similar cleaning mechanism to maintain reflector cleanliness
Data Source
AI summary
A system where a reflector of a laser alignment system is cleaned by a cleaning device that is actuated by an automatic guided vehicle as it passes the reflector. The laser alignment system is used to detect a position of the automatic guided vehicle relative to a location in a manufacturing facility. As the automatic guided vehicle passes the laser alignment system, a projection formed on the automatic guided vehicle will contact an element of a laser cleaning system to actuate the cleaning device over the reflector to clean it.