Construction Robot Interface with Dynamic Electrical Parameter Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Construction robots are limited to using tools specifically adapted to them, restricting flexibility and usability, especially given high acquisition costs, and there is a desire to use a wide range of tools, including future tools not available at the time of production.

Innovation Solution

A construction robot with an interchangeable interface that adjusts electrical parameters such as voltage, current, and resistance to accommodate a variety of tools, using detectors to automatically query tool parameters from markers or databases, and a controllable energy converter to adapt power and communication types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the construction robot uses a fixed electrical parameter configuration, then the device structure remains simple, but the adaptability to different tools is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different toolsVSAvoidelectrical parameter adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical parameters (voltage, current, resistance) of the interchangeable interface are made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit receives tool information via the detector and automatically configures the electrical parameters to match the connected tool's requirements, enabling the system to adapt its electrical characteristics in real-time based on the tool being used.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical parameters (voltage, current, resistance) of the interchangeable interface according to the specific tool connected. The control unit modifies these parameters based on tool information detected by the detector, allowing the same interface to safely power different tools with varying electrical requirements without requiring multiple dedicated interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the construction robot is equipped with tools specifically adapted to it, then the operational reliability is improved, but the versatility and flexibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverange of usable toolsVSAvoidtool compatibility reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The detector automatically queries tool information (such as electrical parameters, tool type, or identification codes) from the connected tool or tool database. This feedback mechanism allows the control unit to receive accurate tool specifications and configure the interchangeable interface accordingly, ensuring reliable operation while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The interchangeable interface is designed with universal functionality to accommodate multiple tool types through automatic parameter adjustment. Rather than requiring dedicated interfaces for each tool type, a single interface can safely power various tools by dynamically configuring its electrical parameters based on the connected tool's requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If the electrical parameters are fixed on the exchange interface, then the device complexity is reduced, but the effectiveness and performance of connected tools are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool performance and service lifeVSAvoidparameter adjustment system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-configuration by automatically detecting tool information and adjusting electrical parameters without manual intervention. The detector queries tool specifications, and the control unit autonomously configures the interchangeable interface parameters to match the tool's optimal requirements, maximizing tool performance while minimizing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables the use of a wide range of tools, including future tools, by adjusting electrical parameters to match tool requirements, enhancing flexibility and effectiveness in construction tasks.

Implementation Method 1

The marker may include a wireless radio interface. This may include, for example, an NFC tag, a Bluetooth tag, and/or an RFID tag.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNFC (Near Field Communication):

Implementation Method 2

The marker may include a wireless radio interface. This may include, for example, an NFC tag, a Bluetooth tag, and/or an RFID tag.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRFID (Radio Frequency Identification):

Implementation Method 3

It can also be an optical marker. The optical marker can, for example, comprise a barcode, a QR code, or another data matrix code. The optical marker can preferably be arranged on a surface of the tool.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical detection:

Implementation Method 4

a controllable energy converter is configured to convert the electrical energy available from the energy source with regard to its type, in particular direct voltage or alternating voltage, with regard to its voltage, its current and/or an internal resistance in accordance with the electrical parameter of the tool

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical energy conversion:

Data Source

PatentEP4316745B1Construction robot with adaptable changing interface
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 HILTI AG
  • EP4316745B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4316745B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4316745B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a construction robot (10) comprising an interchangeable interface (21) for detachable connection with a tool (24). The construction robot (10) has an interchangeable interface (21) with at least one electrical connection (28) for electrical connection with the tool (24). The construction robot (10) is configured to adjust at least one parameter (47), in particular an electrical parameter, of the connection (28). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method (1000) for using an electric tool (24) with a construction robot (10). This allows the construction robot (10) to use a particularly wide range of tools (24).