Autonomous Vacuum Cleaner Positioning for Construction Tool Dust Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In construction sites, the inefficiency of manual vacuum cleaner allocation and operation hinders productivity due to the time-consuming search for available vacuum cleaners and the need for operator presence, especially with mobile tools like floor grinders, which obstructs operator visibility and increases dust emission.
Innovation Solution
An automated vacuum cleaner system equipped with a controller, wireless transceiver, location/orientation sensors, and propulsion means that can wirelessly communicate with construction tools to autonomously relocate and connect for servicing, reducing operator intervention and optimizing dust collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If manual vacuum cleaner allocation is used, then operator control is maintained, but time is lost searching for available vacuum cleaners
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum cleaner system performs self-allocation by automatically detecting construction tools via wireless signals, determining optimal positions, and navigating to service them without operator intervention. The controller autonomously manages vacuum cleaner deployment based on tool locations and availability status.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of operators searching for and connecting vacuum cleaners is replaced by an automated electronic system using wireless transceivers, location sensors, and automated propulsion to detect, locate, and position vacuum cleaners at construction tools.
2Ease of operation
If operator presence is required for mobile tools, then vacuum cleaner can be positioned correctly, but operator visibility is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The operator's manual positioning task is replaced by an automated system using location sensors to detect tool positions and propulsion means to navigate the vacuum cleaner to the correct position autonomously, eliminating the need for operator presence during positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated controller acts as an intermediary between the vacuum cleaner and construction tool, managing the positioning and connection process without requiring direct operator intervention, thereby clearing the operator's line of sight while maintaining operational control.
3Reliability
If one vacuum cleaner is assigned to each construction tool, then dust collection efficiency is maximized, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum cleaner allocation system is dynamic rather than static, allowing vacuum cleaners to be reassigned in real-time based on construction tool locations, operational status, and dust collection needs. This enables optimal utilization of fewer vacuum cleaners across multiple tools.
Solution Approach 2:
Each vacuum cleaner is designed to service multiple different construction tools rather than being dedicated to a single tool, achieving multi-functionality that reduces the total number of vacuum cleaners needed while maintaining dust collection efficiency across all tools.
4Reliability
If vacuum cleaner is stationary, then dust collection is effective, but it obstructs operator movement and visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum cleaner transitions from a stationary to a mobile platform equipped with propulsion means, enabling it to move autonomously to construction tools and follow their positions while maintaining effective dust collection through continuous positional adjustment.
Data Source
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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 objectsin relation to the vacuum cleaner (1)and wherein the vacuum cleaner (1) further comprises means for propulsion (13) controlled by said controller (8).