Automated Painting System With Multi-Axis Arm

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current automated painting systems lack the ability to safely operate in high traffic areas, cannot paint 3D objects, and are limited in using multiple colors in a single design, posing safety and efficiency issues and limiting artistic and functional possibilities.

Innovation Solution

An automated painting system with a multi-axis arm and advanced sensors and navigation systems, equipped with multiple paint compartments and a spray head that can move about a plurality of axes, allowing for precise and efficient painting of 3D objects and complex designs while avoiding reverse travel over wet paint.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual painting is used, then workers can paint roadways and parking lots, but workers are at risk of injury from traffic and exposure to harmful chemicals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworker safetyVSAvoidmanual operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual painting operations with an automated robotic system that uses sensors, navigation, and automated spraying mechanisms. The system substitutes human mechanical actions with automated mechanical and electronic systems, eliminating worker exposure to traffic and chemicals while maintaining painting functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If manual painting is used, then painting can be performed, but it is time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepainting speedVSAvoidpainting duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The automated painting system operates continuously without the breaks, fatigue, and coordination delays inherent in manual painting. The robotic arm can maintain consistent spraying speed and coverage area throughout the painting process, eliminating idle time and maximizing productive painting duration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If existing robotic devices are used, then automated painting is possible, but they cannot safely operate in high traffic areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafe operation in high traffic areasVSAvoidoperational environment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces advanced sensors and navigation systems as intermediaries between the robotic painting system and the high-traffic environment. These sensors detect traffic patterns, pedestrian movement, and environmental conditions, allowing the system to adapt its operation to ensure safety while maintaining functionality in previously inaccessible locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If existing robotic painting devices are used, then automated painting is possible, but they cannot paint 3D objects or use multiple colors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepainting capabilityVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic painting system is designed with multi-functional capabilities including the ability to paint 3D objects, use multiple colors through interchangeable paint containers, and adapt to various surface types. This universal design allows a single system to perform diverse painting tasks that previously required multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The system enhances safety and efficiency by enabling autonomous operation, reducing worker risk, and achieving higher quality finishes with reduced costs, allowing for rapid and precise painting of large areas with multiple colors and complex designs.

Implementation Method 1

The spray head is configured to move about a plurality of axes for painting 3D objects

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMulti-axis motion control:

Implementation Method 2

a housing having a driving system configured to propel the housing in a front and back direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAutonomous navigation:

Implementation Method 3

The onboard control paints the design onto a surface by causing the arm and housing to move along the grid pattern to avoid the housing moving through wet paint

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPath planning and avoidance:

Data Source

PatentUS20240254702A1Automated Painting System

Publication Date: 2024.08.01 MORRISON ROBERT E

AI summary

An automated system for painting a programmed design on high-traffic surfaces. The system includes a transportable housing having a compartment for holding paint and a spraying mechanism for spraying the paint via a spray head that is movable about a plurality of axes. An arm extends from a side of the housing and is connected to the spraying mechanism to provide motion control of the spray head for executing the design. The programmed design is communicated to an onboard control as a grid pattern having an array of uniform blocks aligned in rows and columns. The onboard control paints the design onto a surface by causing the arm and housing to move along the grid pattern to avoid the housing moving through wet paint. The automated system provides an efficient and safe path to paint roadways, parking lots, and the like without having to endanger an operator or passing drivers.