Autonomous Construction Vacuum Allocation for Continuous Dust Collection
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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 line-of-sight obstruction during tool operation.
Innovation Solution
An automated vacuum cleaner system with wireless communication and localization capabilities, allowing it to autonomously relocate and connect to construction tools, monitor dust levels, 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 control and flexibility are maintained, but operator presence increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum cleaner autonomously navigates to construction tools, connects for dust collection, and returns to base station without operator intervention. The system self-manages the entire dust collection process including positioning, connection, and dust disposal, eliminating the need for operators to manually allocate and move vacuum cleaners.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations (operator physically moving and connecting vacuum cleaners) are replaced by an automated navigation and connection system using sensors, wireless communication, and robotic mechanisms. The mechanical system is substituted with an intelligent automated system that performs the same function without human physical intervention.
2Reliability
If vacuum cleaners are manually emptied, then dust collection capacity is maintained, but production stops and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum cleaner automatically returns to its base station when the dust container is full and performs self-emptying by docking with the base station's dust disposal system. This automated self-service process eliminates production stoppages as the vacuum cleaner maintains operational readiness without requiring manual intervention or operator downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum cleaner proactively monitors its dust container level and autonomously initiates the return and emptying process before the container becomes completely full. This preliminary action prevents operational interruptions by ensuring the vacuum cleaner is recharged and ready before it would otherwise need to stop working.
3Illumination intensity
If operators manually manage vacuum cleaners, then line of sight to construction tools is maintained, but operator exposure to harmful environments increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum cleaner autonomously performs all dust collection operations including navigating to tools, connecting, collecting dust, and returning to base station without operator presence in the work area. This eliminates operator exposure to harmful dust environments while the automated system maintains optimal positioning for dust collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated vacuum cleaner system acts as an intermediary between the operator and the harmful dust environment. It performs all necessary dust collection functions in the hazardous area, allowing operators to remain in safe, dust-free zones while maintaining oversight through the automated system's wireless communication and monitoring capabilities.
4Reliability
If one vacuum cleaner is assigned to each construction tool, then dust collection effectiveness is maximized, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single vacuum cleaner is designed to service multiple construction tools sequentially rather than requiring dedicated vacuum cleaners for each tool. The automated navigation and connection system enables one vacuum cleaner to efficiently transition between different tools, providing universal dust collection service across the entire construction site.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum cleaner system transitions from a static one-to-one assignment model to a dynamic many-to-one model where a single vacuum cleaner dynamically allocates its service to multiple tools based on real-time needs. The automated system optimizes the sequence and timing of visits to different tools, maintaining dust collection effectiveness while reducing the total number of vacuum cleaners required.
Data Source
AI summary
Industrial vacuum cleaner configured for servicing at least one construction tool, said vacuum cleaner comprising a vacuum inlet, wherein said vacuum cleaner further comprises a controller and connected to said controller a wireless transceiver, a memory, and at least one location and/or orientation sensor configured for detection of vacuum cleaner location and/or localization of other objects in relation to the vacuum cleaner and wherein the vacuum cleaner further comprises means for propulsion controlled by said controller.