Drone Remediation Dispenser for Hard-to-Reach Building Defects
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current building inspection and defect remediation methods are inefficient, particularly in terms of safety and precision, as they rely on human workers who may encounter errors in varying weather conditions and have difficulty accessing high or hard-to-reach areas.
Innovation Solution
The use of drones equipped with image capture hardware, machine-learning models, and remediation subsystems for defect detection, marking, and remediation, allowing for precise analysis and action on building defects, including aerosol or adhesive dispensing, while navigating challenging environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If human workers are deployed to inspect and remediate building defects, then manual inspection and repair can be performed, but safety risks increase and human error occurs in varying weather conditions and hard-to-reach areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a drone as an intermediary device that performs inspection and remediation tasks in hazardous environments. The drone equipped with camera hardware, machine-learning models, and remediation subsystems (aerosol dispensing, adhesive dispensing) acts as a mediator between the operator and the building defects, eliminating the need for human workers to physically access dangerous areas while maintaining task effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of human workers with an automated drone system. The drone uses computer vision algorithms and machine-learning models for defect detection, and automated dispensing mechanisms for remediation, substituting human physical presence and manual operations with robotic automation that operates safely in challenging conditions
2Measurement precision
If human workers manually inspect buildings, then defects can be identified, but precision and data accuracy decrease due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces human visual inspection with an automated computer vision system. The drone captures images and videos, which are then analyzed by machine-learning models and computer vision algorithms to detect defects with high precision and consistency, eliminating variability and errors associated with manual inspection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies of building surfaces through high-resolution imaging captured by the drone. These image and video copies are then subjected to automated analysis by machine-learning models, allowing for precise defect identification without the limitations of human perception and reducing data accuracy issues related to human error
3Reliability
If drones are used for defect remediation, then safety and precision are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the drone as a multi-functional platform that integrates inspection (camera hardware, computer vision), defect detection (machine-learning models), and multiple remediation capabilities (aerosol dispensing, adhesive dispensing, marking) into a single system. This universal design consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate devices and human operations into one automated platform
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines previously separate functions (inspection, analysis, marking, and remediation) into an integrated drone system. The drone merges navigation, imaging, AI processing, and material dispensing subsystems into a coordinated autonomous platform, reducing overall system complexity by unifying multiple operations that would otherwise require separate equipment and personnel
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes processing circuitry and a drone. The drone includes a dispenser subassembly that includes a housing comprising an aerosol dispensing system and configured to receive a syringe such that an applicator of the syringe is positioned distally from the housing; a trigger that is positioned in contact with a nozzle of the aerosol dispensing system; an actuator arm; and an actuator motor configured to move the actuator arm in a reciprocating motion. Control logic of the drone is configured to navigate, based on navigation instructions received from the processing circuitry, the drone to an area associated with an object of potential survey interest (OoPSI) such that the applicator of the syringe or the nozzle of the aerosol dispensing system is proximate to the area associated with the OoPSI.