Automated Balloon Launching System with Manipulator and Silo
Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated balloon launching systems require human intervention for launching multiple balloons, which limits their operational efficiency and safety, especially when using gases like hydrogen that pose explosion risks.
Innovation Solution
An automated balloon launching system comprising a container with a storage rack for balloons and sondes, a release silo for sheltering balloons during inflation, and a x-, y-, z-manipulator for automated feeding and removal of boxes, along with a gas pipeline and ventilation system to ensure safe and efficient filling and release of balloons without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated balloon launching system is used, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct functional modules: storage rack for boxes, manipulator for box handling, release silo for balloon containment, and gas pipeline for inflation. Each module operates independently but coordinates through standardized interfaces, enabling automated balloon launching while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
2Productivity
If multiple balloons are launched automatically, then productivity is improved, but reliability decreases due to explosion risks
Solution Approach 1:
The release silo serves as a separate containment structure that extracts the hazardous inflation process from the operator's workspace. The silo is positioned above the container and isolates the gas filling operation, removing the explosion risk from the immediate operational area while enabling continuous automated balloon launching.
Solution Approach 2:
The release silo acts as an intermediary structure between the gas source and the balloon release point. It provides a controlled environment for inflation, mediating the hazardous gas handling process and protecting the operator while enabling automated operation. The silo's positioning and design create a safety buffer zone.
3Productivity
If continuous operation is enabled, then productivity is improved, but loss of time increases due to manual intervention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Boxes containing balloons and sondes are pre-stored in the storage rack in ready-to-launch configuration. The manipulator is pre-programmed to automatically retrieve and position boxes, and the release silo is pre-positioned for immediate inflation. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for manual intervention during continuous operation, enabling uninterrupted automated balloon launching.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service through automated box handling by the manipulator, automatic balloon inflation through the gas pipeline, and autonomous release control. The storage rack automatically feeds boxes to the manipulator, which transfers them to the release silo, creating a self-sustaining automated cycle that operates without human intervention and eliminates time losses associated with manual refilling and launching.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided an automated balloon launching system for launching at least one balloon such as a meteorological balloon or a radiosonde. The system comprises a container and a storage arranged in the container for storing at least one box at a defined storage position p=1, 2, . . . , n. The at least one box includes a balloon and a sonde. A release silo is arranged at least partially on top of or above and adjacent to the container for sheltering the balloon during inflation. A x-, y- and z-manipulator is arranged in the container for removing a specific box from one of the defined storage positions p=1, 2, . . . , n, and for subsequent feeding the release silo with the specific box. The present invention also concerns a method for launching at least one balloon such as a meteorological balloon or a radiosonde.