Devices configured to operate on an angled surface, and associated systems and methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Construction tasks on angled surfaces, such as roofs, are labor-intensive, repetitive, and prone to labor shortages due to the need for manual handling of materials like shingles and solar panels, which are slow and dangerous.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an apparatus with a body assembly, positioning assemblies, an arm assembly, and a material handling assembly, anchored to the surface via cables and controlled by a controller to automate the placement and orientation of materials on angled surfaces, reducing manual labor and installation defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual installation methods are used, then device complexity is low, but productivity is low and labor intensity is high
Solution Approach 1:
The automated installation system is divided into separate functional modules: a positioning assembly with cables and anchors for location control, an arm assembly with multiple degrees of freedom for material handling, and a material handling assembly for carrying and placing shingles. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while working together to achieve automated installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed as a universal automated installation system that can handle multiple tasks including material transport, positioning, orientation, and placement. The same apparatus can install different types of roofing materials and can be configured for different roof geometries, making it multi-functional and adaptable to various installation scenarios.
2Productivity
If automated apparatus is introduced, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The arm assembly incorporates multiple degrees of freedom with movable joints and linkages, allowing dynamic adjustment of the material handling assembly's position and orientation. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to different roof geometries and material placement requirements without requiring multiple specialized apparatuses.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning assembly uses cables connected to anchors with adjustable tensioning mechanisms to control the apparatus's location on the roof. The system incorporates sensors and control systems that provide feedback on position and orientation, enabling precise automated placement while maintaining safety through real-time monitoring and adjustment.
3Ease of operation
If manual material handling is used, then ease of operation is high, but labor intensity is high and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The material handling assembly is designed to automatically carry, position, and place roofing materials without requiring manual intervention. The system uses its own integrated mechanisms including the arm assembly for positioning and the material handling assembly for grasping and placing shingles, eliminating the need for workers to manually handle materials at height and thereby reducing safety risks.
4Manufacturing precision
If automated positioning system is used, then manufacturing precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning assembly pre-calculates and pre-positions the apparatus on the roof using cables and adjustable anchors before material installation begins. The system can be configured with predetermined anchor points and cable tensioning settings that automatically establish the correct position and orientation, ensuring precise material placement while simplifying the actual installation process.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices configured to operate on an angled surface (e.g., a roof), and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, representative systems include an apparatus with a body assembly, an arm assembly coupled to the body assembly, and a material handling assembly coupled to the arm assembly. The body assembly can include a body frame, and a plurality of positioning assemblies coupleable to cables and configured to position and/or orient the body frame on the surface. The arm assembly includes a proximal end portion rotatably coupled to the body portion and a distal end portion opposite the proximal end portion. The material handling assembly is coupled to the distal end portion of the arm assembly and is configured to carry a surface material to be positioned on the angled surface.