Chimney Liner Removal Robot with Telescopic Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing chimney liners are labor-intensive, pose safety risks to workers, and fail to maintain regulatory standards due to exposure to harsh environments and materials, leading to potential failures and fines.
Innovation Solution
A liner removal apparatus comprising a main chassis, telescoping arms, a movable balance mass, and an extendible excavator assembly, which allows for remote operation and maintains the center of gravity, enabling safe and efficient removal of liners without workers entering the chimney.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual removal methods are used with workers entering the chimney, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but safety risks increase and labor intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A robotic apparatus with manipulator arms and cutting tools is introduced as an intermediary to perform liner removal operations inside the chimney. The robot can be lowered on a scaffold system or inserted through the liner, allowing workers to operate from a safe external position while the robotic system performs the hazardous work of cutting and removing liner material.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations by workers are replaced with an automated robotic system equipped with motorized manipulator arms, cutting tools, and material handling mechanisms. The robotic system uses controlled mechanical forces to cut, break, and remove liner material, substituting human physical labor with automated mechanical systems that can operate in hazardous environments.
2Reliability
If remote robotic apparatus is used to eliminate worker exposure, then safety improves, but device complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic apparatus is designed with multiple functional capabilities including manipulator arms for positioning, various cutting tools for different liner materials, material handling mechanisms for removal, and navigation systems for moving through the chimney. This multi-functional design consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate systems into a single versatile platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system employs a nested structure where manipulator arms are positioned within the robot body, cutting tools are housed within the manipulator arms, and material handling mechanisms are integrated within the tool assembly. This nested arrangement minimizes the overall footprint of the robotic system while maintaining full functionality.
3Productivity
If traditional manual methods are used, then equipment cost is lower, but maintenance time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system operates continuously without interruption, with automated material handling mechanisms that immediately remove cut liner material as it is produced. The manipulator arms continuously position and orient cutting tools, and the system maintains steady operation throughout the liner removal process, eliminating the start-stop nature of manual work and maximizing productive action time.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic apparatus is equipped with automated material handling mechanisms that self-manage the removal and ejection of cut liner material without requiring external intervention. The system includes self-positioning capabilities where sensors detect liner boundaries and automatically adjust manipulator arm positions, and self-adjusting cutting mechanisms that adapt to varying liner thickness and material properties.
Data Source
AI summary
A chimney liner removal apparatus including a main chassis, a first telescoping front arm, a second telescoping front arm, a rear telescoping arm, a movable mass and an extendible excavator. The first telescoping front arm is fixedly connected to the main chassis and includes a first hollow member and a first extendible member within the first hollow member. The second telescoping front arm is fixedly connected to the main chassis and includes a second hollow member and a second extendible member within the second hollow member. The rear telescoping arm is fixedly connected to the main chassis and includes a third hollow member and a third extendible member within the third hollow member. The movable balance mass is arranged on the third hollow member. The extendible excavator assembly is pivotally connected to the main chassis opposite the rear telescoping arm.