Cable-Suspended Robotic Arm for Vertical Building Surface Treatment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for treating vertical external surfaces of structures, such as buildings, are hazardous for human operators, limited in capability, and unable to handle complex surfaces or apply multiple types of treatments efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A robotic system with a frame body attached to a cable for vertical movement and a horizontally movable robotic arm with a treating portion that can rotate to maintain parallel contact with the surface, allowing for efficient horizontal and vertical movement and treatment of complex surfaces with various substances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If human operators manually treat vertical external surfaces using harnesses and movable scaffolds, then the treatment can be applied to complex building surfaces, but the risk of injury and property damage increases substantially

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle complex building surfacesVSAvoidsafety of operator

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical harness and scaffold system with a robotic system that uses cables and counterweights for suspension and positioning. The robotic arm with treating portion eliminates direct human exposure to hazardous heights while maintaining the ability to access complex building surfaces through automated positioning and movement mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The robotic system performs surface treatment autonomously without requiring human operators to physically position themselves on hazardous structures. The system self-regulates its position, movement, and treatment application through automated control mechanisms, eliminating human risk while maintaining treatment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If human operators manually clean and treat surfaces, then flexibility in treatment approach is maintained, but human error may result in property damage and delays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in treatment approachVSAvoidconsistency of treatment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic system incorporates sensors and control mechanisms that provide feedback on position, treatment application, and surface conditions. This automated feedback loop ensures consistent treatment quality and prevents errors that could lead to property damage or delays, while maintaining operational flexibility through programmable treatment protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Extent of automation

If robotic arms are refitted to standard window washing platforms, then automation is achieved, but the system is unable to handle complex building surfaces with angled recesses and ledges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of surface treatmentVSAvoidability to handle complex surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic arm is designed with dynamic positioning capabilities that allow it to adapt to complex building surfaces. The arm can extend, retract, and position the treating portion at various angles and depths to access angled recesses, ledges, and irregular surfaces, combining automation with adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The robotic system divides the treatment task into segments handled by different components: the frame body for overall positioning, the robotic arm for precise positioning, and the treating portion for actual surface treatment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to handle complex surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Device complexity

If a single type of treatment is applied by the system, then device complexity is reduced, but the system cannot apply multiple treatments such as cleaning, polishing, and painting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of system designVSAvoidvariety of treatments applicable

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic system is designed with a universal treating portion that can perform multiple treatment functions. By equipping the treating portion with interchangeable tools or multi-functional mechanisms, the system can apply cleaning, polishing, painting, and other surface treatments without requiring separate robotic systems, balancing complexity with versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11675335B2Robotic systems and methods to treat vertical external surface of structure

Publication Date: 2023.06.13 AROBOTICSCOMPANY INC

AI summary

A frame body may be parallel to and proximate with an external surface of a structure and extend substantially horizontally from a first side to a second side. A connecting portion may be provided to be attached to a cable to provide for vertical movement of the frame body. A robotic arm may be affixed proximate to a bottom of the frame body and be able to move horizontally during treatment of the external surface. Moreover, the robotic arm may extend to an end proximate with the external surface, and a cleaning portion may be attached to the robotic arm near the end proximate with the external surface. The robotic arm may rotate, vertically moving the cleaning portion during treatment of the external surface. In addition, the cleaning portion may be separately rotated to remain substantially parallel to and proximate with the external surface during rotation of the robotic arm.