Autonomous Power Trowel Mapping for Consistent Concrete Finishing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power trowel systems are bulky, require skilled operators, and are inefficient for finishing small concrete floors, leading to inconsistencies and high labor costs.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous power trowel system with dual rotors and blades that generate a 2D map of the concrete floor, allowing for autonomous operation and remote control, ensuring even smoothing without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional power trowel systems are used, then concrete floor finishing can be performed, but the systems are bulky and require skilled operators, increasing operational complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous power trowel system performs floor finishing operations independently without requiring skilled operators. The system autonomously navigates, positions, and operates the troweling mechanism, eliminating the need for human operators to make decisions or perform complex control tasks during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical control system operated by skilled workers with an autonomous control system that uses sensors, processors, and automated actuators. This substitution eliminates the need for human operators to interpret complex mechanical signals and make real-time adjustments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional power trowel systems are used, then large concrete floors can be finished, but they are inefficient for small concrete floors
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous power trowel system dynamically adjusts its operation based on the detected floor dimensions and characteristics. The system can modify its path planning, troweling speed, and blade pressure in real-time to optimize performance for different floor sizes, making it equally efficient for both small and large floors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as navigation speed, troweling depth, and blade rotation speed based on the detected floor size and conditions. This allows the same system to be optimized for small residential floors or large commercial spaces without requiring different equipment.
3Manufacturing precision
If hand trowel methods are used, then skilled individuals can achieve desired texture, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous system performs the troweling action automatically with consistent, programmable pressure and speed. The system maintains uniform blade-to-floor contact and consistent troweling parameters throughout the operation, eliminating the variability and inconsistency that occur with manual hand troweling by skilled workers.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous power trowel system operates continuously without the interruptions, fatigue, or consistency breaks that occur with manual hand troweling. The automated system maintains steady, uninterrupted troweling action across the entire floor surface, achieving both high speed and uniform quality.
4Reliability
If conventional power trowel systems are used, then concrete floor finishing can be performed, but skilled operators are required continuously, increasing labor costs
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous power trowel system performs all finishing operations independently without requiring skilled operators to be present or intervene during the process. The system autonomously handles navigation, positioning, troweling control, and obstacle detection, completely eliminating the need for human operators while maintaining reliable, consistent performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors and detectors to continuously monitor floor conditions, blade position, and operational parameters, automatically adjusting its operation in real-time. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable, consistent finishing quality without requiring human operators to make adjustments or corrections.
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 efficiently finishes concrete floors of various sizes, including small spaces, with minimal human interaction, providing a consistent finish and reducing operational complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first rotor and a second rotor configured to axially rotate at same speeds, but in opposite directions... when the first and second rotors are activated to axially rotate, the first and second sets of blades contact and smoothen the concrete floor
Data Source
AI summary
A trowel system for finishing a concrete floor is disclosed. The system may include a first rotor and a second rotor configured to axially rotate at a same speed in opposite directions. The system may further include a sensor unit configured to detect a concrete floor boundary or a presence of an obstacle on the floor when the system moves on the floor. The system may further include a processor configured to activate a first rotor rotation and a second rotor rotation, and obtain inputs from the sensor unit responsive to activating the first rotor rotation and the second rotor rotation. The processor may further generate a concrete floor two-dimensional (2D) map based on the inputs obtained from the sensor unit, and control a first rotor operation and a second rotor operation to cause a system movement on the floor based on the concrete floor 2D map.