Industrial automated vacuum cleaner and method for automated servicing of construction tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
In construction sites, the inefficiency of manual vacuum cleaner allocation and operation leads to increased operator presence, reduced productivity, and prolonged downtime due to the need for manual dust collection and obstruction of operator's line of sight by vacuum cleaners connected to moving tools like floor grinders.
Innovation Solution
An automated vacuum cleaner system with wireless communication and localization capabilities, allowing it to autonomously relocate to construction tools, manage dust collection, and avoid obstacles, thereby reducing operator intervention and optimizing suction performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual vacuum cleaner allocation is used, then operator presence is required, but productivity is reduced and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum cleaner autonomously navigates to construction tools using sensors (LIDAR, cameras, ultrasonic sensors) and processors to detect and service dust sources without operator intervention. The system independently maps the environment, identifies tools requiring service, positions itself for optimal dust collection, and manages its own dust container status, thereby eliminating the need for manual allocation while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with automated systems including wireless communication modules for receiving service requests, sensor arrays for environmental perception, and propulsion systems for autonomous movement. This substitution of mechanical operator control with electronic and sensor-based systems resolves the contradiction by enabling both ease of operation and high productivity simultaneously
2Object-generated harmful factors
If vacuum cleaner is connected to moving construction tools, then dust collection is effective, but operator's line of sight is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum cleaner employs dynamic positioning capabilities with multiple propulsion systems (wheels, tracks, or legs) that enable it to continuously adjust its position relative to moving construction tools. The system uses real-time data from location sensors and orientation sensors to maintain optimal dust collection positioning while dynamically adapting to tool movement, thereby preserving both effective dust collection and operator visibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial navigation and positioning to resolve the line of sight obstruction issue. The vacuum cleaner operates in the vertical and lateral dimensions independently of the construction tool's horizontal movement, allowing it to position itself in optimal dust collection locations that do not necessarily block the operator's forward view. The extendable inlet tube further extends the collection capability into additional spatial dimensions
3Reliability
If multiple vacuum cleaners are assigned to tools, then dust collection is ensured, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous vacuum cleaner is designed as a universal system capable of servicing multiple different types of construction tools through wireless communication protocols that can receive service requests from various tool types. The sensor system and navigation capabilities are general-purpose, allowing the same vacuum cleaner unit to adaptively service different tools in different locations, thereby eliminating the need for dedicated vacuum cleaners for each tool and reducing overall system cost while maintaining reliable dust collection
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters including navigation speed, suction power, and positioning accuracy based on the specific requirements of different construction tools and dust generation rates. This parameter adaptability allows a single vacuum cleaner to effectively service multiple tool types with varying dust collection needs, replacing the requirement for multiple specialized vacuum cleaners and reducing cost
4Loss of time
If vacuum cleaner relocates automatically, then operator time is saved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous navigation and dust collection system is divided into distinct functional modules: wireless communication module for receiving requests, sensor module (LIDAR, cameras, ultrasonic sensors) for environmental perception, processor for decision-making, propulsion module for movement, and dust collection module. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized and maintained, managing overall system complexity while enabling sophisticated autonomous operation that saves operator time
Data Source
AI summary
Industrial vacuum cleaner configured for servicing at least one construction tool (2), said vacuum cleaner (1) comprising a vacuum inlet (3), wherein said vacuum cleaner (1) further comprises a controller (8) and connected to said controller (8) a wireless transceiver (10), a memory (12), and at least one location and/or orientation sensor (11) configured for detection of vacuum cleaner location and/or localization of other objects in relation to the vacuum cleaner (1) and wherein the vacuum cleaner (1) further comprises means for propulsion (13) controlled by said controller (8).