Concrete Patching Robot for Elevated Highway Underdecks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concrete patching on elevated structures, such as highway underdecks, requires manual operation of heavy tools at heights, posing safety risks and inefficiencies due to the need for manual labor and lack of automated solutions for precise and controlled repair processes.
Innovation Solution
A remotely operated or autonomously functioning multi-axis robotic manipulator mounted on a powered, movable platform that can access and repair concrete surfaces, equipped with various tools like drills, pin placers, blowers, and grout applicators, coordinated by control software for precise and controlled operations, and equipped with dust containment and collection systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual operation of heavy tools is used for concrete patching on elevated structures, then the repair work can be performed, but safety risks increase and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated robotic system. The robotic manipulator performs chipping, drilling, pin insertion, and grout application tasks that were previously done manually, eliminating the need for workers to operate heavy tools at heights while maintaining repair quality and improving efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system is self-contained with integrated tools (chipping gun, drill, pin placer, grout applicator) and autonomous control capabilities. The system can perform the entire repair sequence independently without requiring human operators to be positioned at heights, thus improving both safety and efficiency
2Manufacturing precision
If automated robotic manipulator is used for concrete patching, then safety improves and precision increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic manipulator is designed as a multi-functional platform that can perform multiple repair operations (chipping, drilling, pin insertion, grout application) using different tools. This universal design consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate devices into one system, managing complexity while delivering precise repair capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control system as an intermediary between the operator and the physical repair processes. The control system coordinates the robotic manipulator's movements and tool operations, enabling precise control while isolating the operator from the complex mechanical operations at heights
3Reliability
If remote operation is implemented, then worker safety improves, but control precision may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system incorporates feedback mechanisms that provide real-time information about tool position, force applied, and repair progress to the control system. This feedback loop enables the remote operator to make precise adjustments and maintain control accuracy despite the physical distance from the work site
Data Source
AI summary
A concrete patching robot has a multi-axis robotic manipulator mounted on a powered, movable, platform that can be raised and lowered to access the underside of structures that may be substantial distances above the ground, for example, the underside of an elevated highway. The entire assembly is maneuverable under the work area and the platform may be raised to access the concrete. Once the work area is in reach of the arm, the device is able to use numerous tools to complete essential steps to repair the concrete.