Autonomous Path Recording and Snow Treatment for Zero Tolerance Routes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current snow removal methods are labor-intensive, costly, and inefficient, particularly in Zero Tolerance Locations where timely snow clearance is critical.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous path treatment system comprising a mobile path recording device and an autonomous path treatment robot, equipped with a treatment mechanism, controller, and server, which captures coordinates and directions of travel to generate a path program for autonomous snow removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual shoveling is used to clear snow in inaccessible areas, then snow removal can be performed in all locations, but labor costs and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous path treatment robot performs snow clearing operations independently without human intervention. The robot navigates paths autonomously using recorded coordinate data, operates treatment mechanisms automatically, and returns to charging stations without operator involvement, thereby eliminating the need for manual shoveling while maintaining continuous operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical shoveling with an autonomous robotic system that uses recorded path coordinates and automated control mechanisms. The robot substitutes human labor with automated navigation and treatment mechanisms, achieving both accessibility to all areas and improved productivity through continuous autonomous operation
2Productivity
If multiple laborers are deployed to clear snow simultaneously, then snow removal coverage increases, but hiring, training, and management costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous robot system provides multi-functional capability to handle various snow clearing scenarios through a single platform. The robot can operate independently across multiple paths and locations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized laborers while maintaining comprehensive snow removal coverage through automated path execution and treatment
3Reliability
If snow clearing operations are extended to 24/7 availability, then timely snow removal is ensured, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous robot system enables continuous snow clearing operations without interruption. The robot navigates, treats paths, and returns to charging stations autonomously, maintaining continuous operational capability around the clock. This eliminates downtime associated with manual labor shifts while controlling energy costs through efficient autonomous operation and automated charging management
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous path treatment system and associated path treatment method uses a mobile path recording device having a locator, a processor and firmware to capture a sequence of coordinates and directions of travel of a path as the mobile device is moved along the path and generate a path program file. The system also has an autonomous path treatment robot having: a treatment mechanism for treating the path; a controller having a processor and memory storing firmware that when executed obeys steps of the path program file to control the motor and the treatment mechanism to treat the path; and a server configured to execute a path program to process the captured sequence of coordinates and directions into the path program file containing instructions for controlling the autonomous path treatment robot to treat the path based upon the coordinates.