Mobile Floor Printing Robot With Pixel Spray and Nozzle Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for applying large-scale images to ground surfaces, such as lawns or asphalt, are complex, costly, and prone to irregularities due to the need for multiple templates and manual application, which is inefficient and unreliable for quick and large-area coverage.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a controller and a printing system with multiple nozzle assemblies, each equipped with a paint nozzle and a cleaning nozzle, allows for pixel-by-pixel application of paint using a mobile robot that can navigate and clean nozzles automatically, ensuring precise and efficient image deposition on ground surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual painting or spraying is used to apply large-scale images to ground surfaces, then the process can cover large areas, but the application quality becomes irregular and the process becomes complex requiring multiple templates and stages
Solution Approach 1:
The image is divided into individual pixels that are applied sequentially by independently controlled spray nozzles. Each nozzle corresponds to a specific pixel position, allowing precise control over where paint is deposited without requiring complex physical templates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual painting mechanics and physical stencils with an automated robotic system that uses computer-controlled spray nozzles to deposit paint pixel by pixel, eliminating the need for manual intervention and complex template production.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple templates and manual application methods are used for multi-colored images, then color application is possible, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system integrates multiple spray nozzles capable of delivering different colors simultaneously, allowing the single device to handle multi-colored images without requiring separate manual painting operations for each color.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies multiple colors continuously in a single automated pass by coordinating multiple nozzles, eliminating the need for multiple sequential manual painting stages and reducing total application time.
3Productivity
If spray nozzles are used for paint application, then efficient paint delivery is achieved, but nozzle clogging occurs requiring frequent cleaning interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automated cleaning nozzles that periodically spray cleaning solution through the paint nozzles to prevent and remove clogs without requiring manual intervention, allowing the system to maintain productivity and reliability autonomously.
4Manufacturing precision
If automated robotic systems are used for pixel-by-pixel printing, then precision and consistency are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a mobile robotic platform that can dynamically position and move the spray nozzle array over the surface to be painted, providing flexibility and precision without requiring a fixed complex installation infrastructure.
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 rapid, reliable, and cost-effective large-area image application on various surfaces by automating the painting process, ensuring high-quality, seamless image deposition with minimal manual intervention and irregularities.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spray bar (201, 202, 203) with a large number of nozzle assemblies (210), each having a valve (212) and a paint nozzle (210) for applying paint to the floor surface by spraying
Implementation Method 2
Each of the nozzle assemblies (210) has a cleaning nozzle (214) which is supplied via the supply line (217) and is assigned to the respective paint nozzle (210) and which is arranged in such a way that cleaning agent can be sprayed onto the paint nozzle from the outside
Implementation Method 3
The paint nozzle (210) is connected to the supply line (217) via a valve (212) so that cleaning agent can be fed into the interior of the paint nozzle (210) and sprayed out of the paint nozzle (210)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A device (100) such as a mobile robot for printing an image on a floor surface (1) is described. According to an exemplary embodiment, the mobile robot comprises a control system (117) and a printing system. The printing system has at least one colorant tank (110, 111, 112) with colorant and at least one spraying arm (201, 202, 203) having multiple nozzle assemblies (211) situated next to one another. The nozzle assemblies (211) each have a valve (212) that can be controlled by the control system and a colorant nozzle (210, 220, 230) by means of which colorant can be applied to the floor surface (1).