Autonomous Aerial Adhesive Placement for Hard-to-Reach Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aerial robotic construction methods are limited by the need for predefined flight paths, lack of autonomy, and restricted range and type of structures that can be built, as they often rely on GPS or remote control.
Innovation Solution
Aerial devices capable of controlled flight, equipped with propellers and object-retaining mechanisms, use sensors and autonomous navigation software to affix objects to target sites using adhesives, enabling vision-based autonomous flight and construction of complex structures without GPS, and deployment of flexible elongate members to create web-like structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If GPS or remote control is used for aerial robotic construction, then the flight path can be established, but the robot becomes less autonomous and requires external control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The aerial robot is equipped with onboard sensors (cameras, LIDAR, GPS) and autonomous navigation software that enable it to independently determine its position, plan flight paths, and execute construction tasks without continuous human intervention or external control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional remote control mechanisms with vision-based autonomous navigation systems that use computer vision algorithms to process sensor data and autonomously control flight and construction operations
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional ground robots are used for construction, then assembly tasks can be performed, but the working area is constrained and scale of action is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from ground-based to aerial-based construction robots, adding the vertical dimension to operational space. This enables access to high-altitude structures, difficult-to-reach areas, and eliminates constraints of ground mobility while expanding the overall working area coverage
3Adaptability or versatility
If large bricks or magnetic beams are used with GPS-enabled flying robots, then structures can be built, but the range and type of structures are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs vision-based autonomous navigation with real-time sensor data processing to achieve high positioning accuracy, enabling precise placement of construction materials. This allows for more diverse structure types including delicate components that require precise positioning rather than just large bricks or magnetic beams
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a method of using a device capable of controlled flight in a surrounding environment, the device comprising: lifting means for providing lift to the device; object-retaining means for holding an object to be affixed to a target site; and a dispensing assembly for dispensing an adhesive, wherein the method comprises: controlling the lifting means so as to controllably fly the device in the surrounding environment; and using the device to affix an object held by the object-retaining means to a target site in the surrounding environment by dispensing an adhesive from the dispensing assembly. Thus, an aerial device, for example a robotic device, may be used to fly to a desired location and affix an object at the desired location, by dispensing, ejecting or otherwise applying an adhesive.