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 dangerous, leading to labor shortages despite increasing demand for automation, particularly in installing shingles and solar panels.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a body assembly, arm assembly, and material handling assembly, controlled by a system with anchors and cables, allows for automated positioning and orientation on angled surfaces, enabling efficient placement and removal of materials like shingles or solar panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual installation methods are used for shingles and solar panels on roofs, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity is low and labor intensity is high
Solution Approach 1:
The automated device positions and installs shingles and solar panels autonomously without human intervention on the roof. The system includes a positioning assembly with cables and anchors that automatically locates the device on the roof surface, and a material handling assembly that automatically places materials, eliminating the need for manual installation operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical installation operations with an automated robotic system. The device uses a body assembly with arm assemblies that mechanically position and place materials, substituting human labor with automated mechanical components including positioning cables, anchors, and material handling mechanisms.
2Productivity
If automated devices are introduced to reduce manual labor, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated installation device is divided into distinct functional modules: a body assembly, positioning assembly with cables and anchors, arm assemblies for positioning and material handling, and a material handling assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall complex system manageable through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to perform multiple functions: positioning itself on the roof using cables and anchors, orienting its arm assemblies, handling various materials (shingles and solar panels), and installing them. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate devices or manual operations into a single automated system.
3Loss of time
If manual material handling is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but loss of time increases and labor intensity is high
Solution Approach 1:
The material handling assembly automatically loads, transports, and places materials without human intervention. The positioning assembly automatically positions the device and adjusts cable tensions to maintain optimal working conditions, eliminating the time-consuming manual tasks of positioning and material handling that would otherwise be required.
4Manufacturing precision
If automated positioning systems are implemented, then manufacturing precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system replaces manual positioning with an automated cable-based mechanical system. Cables connected to anchors on the roof and attachment points on the device create a precise positioning mechanism that can be controlled electronically, achieving high precision without complex electronic positioning systems.
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.