Autonomous Deicing Nozzle Control for Precise Surface Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic deicing technologies often cause damage to vegetation and surfaces due to the use of rock salt and are difficult to control, leading to undesirable and unforeseeable damage.
Innovation Solution
A robotic vehicle equipped with a spray assembly and control circuitry that determines the characteristics of the nozzle to control the application of an aqueous deicing solution, using GPS, sensors, and a control system to ensure precise and accurate application within defined boundaries, avoiding obstacles and adjusting application rates based on nozzle type and environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rock salt is spread for de-icing, then deicing effectiveness is improved, but damage to vegetation and surfaces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rock salt to aqueous deicing solution, and controls application rate parameters through sensor feedback. This allows effective deicing while reducing harmful effects on vegetation and surfaces by using a liquid solution instead of solid salt granules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs sensors to detect environmental conditions and provides feedback to the control system, which adjusts the application rate of the deicing solution in real-time. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures effective deicing while minimizing damage to surrounding vegetation and surfaces by preventing over-application.
2Quantity of substance
If rock salt is spread for de-icing, then deicing coverage is improved, but control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system receives feedback from sensors regarding position, environmental conditions, and application rates, enabling precise control of deicing coverage. This feedback loop allows the system to accurately manage the quantity of deicing solution applied while maintaining coverage effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a dynamic control system that continuously adjusts application rates based on real-time sensor data. The system can modify spray rates, vehicle speed, and nozzle activation dynamically to achieve precise control over deicing coverage while adapting to changing conditions.
3Measurement precision
If automated spray system is implemented, then application precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic vehicle integrates multiple functions including navigation, environmental sensing, spray application control, and data processing into a single platform. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity compared to separate dedicated systems while maintaining high application precision through coordinated operation of all components.
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 robotic vehicle achieves precise and efficient deicing with minimal environmental impact by using sensors and control circuitry to navigate boundaries and adjust fluid application, ensuring complete coverage and avoiding damage to vegetation and surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a spray assembly and a pump configured to spray the aqueous solution through the nozzle during the transit of the robotic vehicle over the service area
Implementation Method 2
a spray assembly and control circuitry. The spray assembly is operably coupled to the storage tank to spray the aqueous solution via a nozzle
Data Source
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AI summary
A robotic vehicle (10) may include a chassis supporting a storage tank (14) in which an aqueous solution is contained, a mobility assembly operably coupled to the chassis to provide mobility for the robotic vehicle (10) about a service area, a positioning module configured to provide guidance for the robotic vehicle (10) during transit of the robotic vehicle (10) over the service area, a spray assembly and control circuitry. The spray assembly may be operably coupled to the storage tank to spray the aqueous solution via a nozzle and a pump during the transit of the robotic vehicle (10) over the service area. The control circuitry (12) may be operably coupled to the spray assembly. The control circuitry (12) may be configured to determine characteristics of the nozzle to control an amount of the aqueous solution applied to the service area based on the characteristics of the nozzle.