AMR Deposition Accessory Coupling for Fast Change and Yaw Constraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ground marking technologies, including manual processes and autonomous ground printers, are inefficient and lack scalability, precision, and consistency in depositing materials like paint or ink, especially for complex images requiring multiple colors, leading to high material consumption and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A detachable deposition accessory for autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) featuring a quick-connect cartridge design, magnetic coupling, and data/power connections, allowing for easy attachment and detachment, enabling high-resolution, flexible, and accurate ground printing with a movable nozzle array and control system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual ground marking processes are used, then flexibility in marking is maintained, but marking speed and efficiency are significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical marking operations with an autonomous mobile robot system that uses automated navigation, electronic control, and robotic deposition mechanisms. The AMR autonomously navigates the marking area using sensors and control systems, eliminating the need for manual operation while significantly increasing marking speed and consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous mobile robot performs self-navigation and self-control functions, making decisions about movement and deposition automatically. The system uses onboard sensors, processors, and control algorithms to navigate autonomously, adjust deposition parameters, and complete marking tasks without continuous human intervention, thereby improving productivity while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If autonomous ground printers with fixed nozzle arrays are used, then marking consistency is improved, but adaptability to different marking requirements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the nozzle array into multiple independent, replaceable modules or individual nozzles that can be selectively activated or replaced. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different marking requirements by enabling or disabling specific nozzles based on the task, while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic control capabilities that allow real-time adjustment of deposition parameters, nozzle positioning, and marking patterns. The autonomous robot can dynamically adapt its operation based on environmental feedback, marking requirements, and task specifications, providing flexibility without requiring complex physical reconfiguration of the entire system.
3Productivity
If multiple colors are deposited using sequential printing, then color accuracy is maintained, but marking time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple deposition capabilities into a single integrated system. Multiple nozzles capable of different colors or materials are merged into one autonomous robot platform, allowing simultaneous or rapid sequential deposition of multiple colors without requiring multiple separate printing operations. This merging maintains color accuracy while significantly reducing total marking time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous deposition operations by maintaining constant motion and continuous material flow. The autonomous robot moves continuously while depositing materials, with minimal interruption between color changes or section completions. This continuous operation improves efficiency while maintaining precision through consistent deposition parameters and real-time control.
4Manufacturing precision
If high volume paint application is used to ensure image visibility, then image intensity consistency is improved, but material consumption and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous mobile robot incorporates feedback mechanisms including sensors that monitor deposition quality, material consumption, and environmental conditions. This feedback enables real-time adjustment of deposition parameters to maintain consistent image intensity while optimizing material usage. The system can detect and correct variations in deposition quality without increasing overall material consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts deposition parameters such as flow rate, nozzle distance, deposition speed, and material concentration based on real-time conditions and requirements. By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves consistent image intensity and visibility with minimal material consumption, reducing waste and environmental impact compared to traditional high-volume application methods.
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
Enables quick and efficient deposition of materials like paint or ink with high-resolution and scalability, reducing material consumption and environmental impact while ensuring precise and consistent image deposition across various ground surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling arrangement may further comprise a data connection and a power connection. The electromagnet system may be configured to magnetise the first portion
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling arrangement for a coupling a detachable deposition accessory to an autonomous mobile robot (AMR), the coupling arrangement comprising: a first portion, the first portion is configured to be removably coupled to the AMR, and is operable to be pivotable about the pitch axis only; a second portion, the second portion is fixedly attached to the AMR and is configured to retain the first portion and limit movement of the detachable deposition accessory in the yaw axis, when coupled to the AMR; and a support arm, wherein the support arm extends between the first and second portions. Thus advantageously, there is provided the means to quickly and easily change the abilities of the autonomous deposition machine attached to an AMR for multiple different deposition application situations.