Remote Facade Inspection Gantry with Cable Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Building facade inspections are costly, time-consuming, and pose a risk to inspectors due to the need for aerial work platforms or scaffolding, which are expensive and expose workers to fall hazards.
Innovation Solution
A remote-controlled, partially automated facade inspection and repair system using a housing with cameras, probes, and sampling devices suspended by cables, allowing for movement and real-time data transmission, with optional quadcopter functionality for detailed inspections and repairs, and a small powered shed for pedestrian protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If aerial work platforms or scaffolding are used for facade inspection, then inspectors can access the facade at adequate height, but the inspection becomes expensive and time-consuming while exposing workers to fall hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical inspection systems (aerial work platforms, scaffolding) with a remotely operated inspection system. A control system on the ground sends commands via radio frequency to a camera and sampling device suspended by a cable, eliminating the need for physical presence at height and thereby removing fall hazards while maintaining inspection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary cable suspension system that carries the camera and sampling device between the ground control system and the facade. This cable acts as a mediator, transmitting control signals and receiving data without requiring direct human exposure to the hazardous environment, thus improving safety while enabling continuous inspection operations
2Reliability
If aerial work platforms or scaffolding are used for facade inspection, then inspectors can reach the facade, but the inspection process becomes expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The remotely operated inspection system allows for continuous operation without the interruptions inherent in traditional methods. The camera and sampling device can be positioned precisely and held steady by the cable suspension system, enabling uninterrupted data collection and detailed examination of the facade surface, thereby reducing total inspection time while maintaining or improving accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical maneuvering of aerial work platforms and scaffolding with an automated cable suspension and remote control system. This substitution eliminates the time required for setup, positioning, and repositioning of traditional equipment, allowing for more efficient and rapid facade inspection while maintaining detailed view capability
Data Source
AI summary
A facade gantry allows for close inspection of a facade using remotely operated cameras, probes, and/or sampling devices. These devices are located in a housing that is positioned in front of a facade by a system of cables, from which it is suspended, that allow for movement in any direction in a plane. Two cables are attached to the housing containing the sensors and tools and are wound onto two separate spools located on the roof at the vertical boundaries of the inspection area. By winding and unwinding these spools, the housing can be raised, lowered, and moved from side to side. The invention further has an optional “shed” located on the ground that protects pedestrians in the case of a suspension system failure. The shed moves to maintain a position directly under the housing. The gantry optionally allows for repair of the facade by using remotely operated repair tools.