Automated Cutting Room for Safe Product Disassembly Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for disassembling large objects, such as decommissioned weapons, are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and pose safety risks due to manual destruction processes, which are inefficient and lack the ability to track items properly for desired destruction parameters.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a cutting room with a receiving device, a cutting system with pseudorandomized cutters, and a transport system that orients and disassembles products into non-identical pieces, allowing for automated and efficient disposal while tracking items through identification and configuration based on product type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If manual destruction methods (oxyacetylene torches, plasma cutters) are used, then cutting capability is achieved, but worker safety is compromised due to high temperatures, toxic fumes, and sharp materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cutting operations with an automated robotic cutting system. The robot executes pre-programmed cutting paths using automated control, eliminating the need for workers to manually operate dangerous cutting equipment. This substitution of manual mechanical operations with automated mechanical systems directly resolves the contradiction by maintaining cutting capability while removing workers from hazardous environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computer-controlled robotic system as an intermediary between the operator and the cutting process. The operator programs the cutting paths in advance, and the robot executes them automatically, serving as a mediator that performs the dangerous cutting work without exposing human workers to thermal radiation, toxic fumes, and sharp materials.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If automated cutting systems are implemented, then worker safety improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-programming the cutting paths before execution. The operator plans and programs the complete cutting sequence in advance, storing the path data in the robot's control system. This preliminary preparation simplifies the actual cutting operation, as the robot automatically executes the pre-planned paths without requiring complex real-time decision-making systems during operation.
3Productivity
If manual destruction is performed, then flexibility in disposal methods is maintained, but productivity decreases due to labor intensity and time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated robotic cutting systems, enabling continuous operation without fatigue breaks. The robot can execute cutting operations at consistent speeds with precise control, significantly increasing productivity compared to manual operations while reducing the physical labor burden on workers.
4Productivity
If standardized cutting procedures are used, then processing speed increases, but adaptability to different product types decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the cutting system adaptable through programmable control. The robotic system can dynamically adjust cutting paths, speeds, and parameters based on the specific product type being processed. Different product types can be accommodated by loading different pre-programmed cutting paths into the robot's control system, maintaining high processing speeds while achieving versatility across multiple product types.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for disassembling products. In one example, a system may comprise a cutting room having a positioning device configured to position products at a cutting system, where cut products may fall to a transport system to be conveyed to a storage system. In some examples, the cutting room is fully automated.