GNSS-Guided Line Marking Cart for Precise Layout Without Guide Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing line marking devices are either fully automated and costly, requiring complex setup and programming, or manually pushed and requiring guides like laser beams or chords, which are time-consuming to set up and prone to deviations.

Innovation Solution

A line marking device with a steerable wheel and GNSS receiver, allowing autonomous steering and navigation along predetermined patterns, combined with a marking unit and interface for comparing detected locations to patterns, enabling easy handling and low-cost operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a fully automated device with laser beam and reflecting tracking prism is used, then line marking precision is improved, but device complexity and setup time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveline marking precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical guidance systems (laser beams, tracking prisms, chords) with electronic GPS/GNSS-based guidance. The marking device uses satellite positioning to determine its location and automatically steers along predetermined paths, eliminating the need for physical mechanical guides and大幅 reducing setup time and device complexity while maintaining marking precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces GPS/GNSS satellite signals as an intermediary between the operator and the marking device. Instead of direct line-of-sight mechanical guidance, the device receives position information from satellites and uses this data to autonomously navigate, acting as an intelligent mediator that enables precise guidance without complex physical infrastructure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a manually pushed line marking device with laser beam or chord guide is used, then ease of operation is improved, but setup time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces time-consuming mechanical guide setup (laser beams, chords) with instant electronic GPS/GNSS positioning. The device begins operation immediately after receiving satellite signals, eliminating the need to physically set up and adjust mechanical guides, thus dramatically reducing setup time while keeping the device easy to operate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary path planning using GPS coordinates before operation begins. The desired marking path is pre-calculated based on satellite position data and stored in the device's memory, allowing the device to start marking immediately without on-site mechanical guide setup, thus saving significant setup time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If a manually pushed line marking device is used, then device cost is reduced, but marking precision and straightness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice costVSAvoidmarking straightness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive mechanical guidance systems with affordable GPS/GNSS electronic guidance. The satellite-based positioning system provides precise location data at a fraction of the cost of laser systems or robotic mechanisms, enabling manual devices to achieve high marking straightness and precision without significant cost increase

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous feedback through GPS/GNSS positioning, where the device constantly monitors its actual position against the predetermined path and automatically adjusts its course. This closed-loop control ensures high marking precision and straightness by continuously correcting deviations, something difficult to achieve with simple manual devices lacking electronic guidance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11198979B2Line marking device and method for marking a line
Publication Date: 2021.12.14 SWOZI AG
  • US11198979B2 patent drawing
  • US11198979B2 patent drawing
  • US11198979B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A line marking device (1) comprising a cart (2) with at least one steerable wheel (3) and at least two moving elements (4, 5). The steerable wheel (3) is rotatable around its axle (13) and pivotable such that the cart (2) is steered in a desired direction. The line marking device (1) comprises a GNSS receiver (7) or a robotic total station mounted on the cart (2). The line marking device (1) also comprises at least one spray nozzle (8), for marking a line, which is mounted on the cart and directed towards the ground below the line marking device (1). The device (1) comprises an interface mounted on the cart for a comparator to compare a detected location by the GNSS receiver (7) to a predetermined pattern. The cart (2) may comprise a motor (14) which is adapted to pivot the steerable wheel (3) towards an intended movement.