Automated Brick Laying Robot with Real-Time Position Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated brick laying systems lack precision and efficiency in positioning and laying bricks due to limitations in measurement and control systems, leading to potential errors and increased construction time.
Innovation Solution
An automated brick laying system comprising a brick laying robot with a moveable support structure, a brick laying and adhesive applying head, a measurement system for real-time position data, and a controller that compares actual positions with predetermined positions to ensure accurate brick placement, using inertial navigation and scanning laser technology for precise positioning and adhesive application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If automated brick laying systems use basic positioning mechanisms, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and positioning accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is divided into two independent subsystems: a moveable support structure for coarse positioning and a manipulator for fine positioning. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized independently, achieving high overall precision without requiring the entire system to be overly complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that receives real-time position data from measurement systems, compares it with predetermined positions, and generates control data to adjust the manipulator's position. This intermediary control layer enables precise brick placement through feedback without requiring direct mechanical complexity in the positioning mechanisms themselves.
2Manufacturing precision
If real-time measurement and control systems are implemented, then manufacturing precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A measurement system provides real-time position data of the manipulator, which is fed back to the controller. The controller compares this feedback data with predetermined target positions and automatically adjusts the manipulator's position accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures high precision brick placement while keeping the control logic systematic and manageable.
3Speed
If coarse positioning of the head is provided by controlling the moveable support structure, then positioning speed is improved, but positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning task is segmented into two stages: coarse positioning performed by the moveable support structure for speed, and fine positioning performed by the manipulator for precision. This division allows the system to rapidly move to approximate positions while maintaining the capability for precise final placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The moveable support structure performs preliminary coarse positioning to bring the manipulator close to the target location quickly. This preliminary action reduces the distance the manipulator needs to travel for fine positioning, thereby improving overall efficiency while maintaining precision.
4Manufacturing precision
If fine positioning is provided by controlling the manipulator, then manufacturing precision improves, but productivity decreases due to slower adjustment speed
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning function is segmented between the moveable support structure (coarse positioning) and the manipulator (fine positioning). This segmentation allows the faster support structure to handle the bulk of the positioning movement, while the manipulator focuses only on the final precise adjustments, thereby maintaining both speed and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The moveable support structure performs preliminary positioning to bring the manipulator close to the target position before fine positioning begins. This preliminary action minimizes the time the manipulator needs to spend on slow, precise adjustments, thereby improving overall productivity while maintaining manufacturing precision.
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 achieves accurate and efficient brick laying by providing real-time control and correction for structural dynamics, reducing errors and improving construction speed and quality.
Implementation Method 1
The measurement system may comprise an inertial navigation system that provides data relating to the location in space of the head that is used by the measurement system to produce the position data.
Implementation Method 2
The measurement system may further comprise a scanning laser to provide further location data relating to the real time position of a brick held by the head
Data Source
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AI summary
An automated brick laying system (10) for constructing a building from a plurality of bricks (16) comprises a robot (12) provided with a brick laying and adhesive applying head (18), a measuring system (13), and a controller (14) that provides control data to the robot (12) to lay the bricks (16) at predetermined locations. The measuring system (13) measures in real time the position of the head (18) and produces position data for the controller (14). The controller (14) produces control data on the basis of a comparison between the position data and a predetermined or pre-programmed position of the head (18) to lay a brick (16) at a predetermined position for the building under construction. The controller (14) can control the robot (12) to construct the building in a course by course manner where the bricks (16) are laid sequentially at their respective predetermined positions and where a complete course of bricks for the entire building is laid prior to laying of the brick for the next course.