Manipulator-Operated Storage Cover for Autonomous Construction Robots

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Solution Overview

Problem

Construction robots with storage systems and protective covers face challenges in accessing storage locations efficiently, often requiring manual operation and additional manipulators, which increases costs and reduces reliability.

Innovation Solution

A construction robot with a manipulator and storage system featuring a pivotally arranged protective cover, where the end effector traverses a control contour to pivot the cover mechanically, eliminating the need for additional actuators and reducing complexity, allowing self-sufficient modular design and reduced connecting lines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If the protective cover is manually operated by a user/technician, then the storage location can be accessed, but the operation is not automated and requires manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of protective cover operationVSAvoidmanual operation requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The manipulator serves dual purposes: performing construction tasks and autonomously operating the protective cover. The control projection on the manipulator automatically follows the control contour to pivot the cover, eliminating the need for separate manual operation or additional actuators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If an additional actuator is used to pivot the protective cover, then the cover can be opened, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotective cover accessVSAvoidnumber of actuators and connecting lines
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The manipulator is designed to perform multiple functions: executing construction tasks with its end effector and simultaneously operating the protective cover through the control projection. This eliminates the need for separate actuators dedicated solely to cover operation.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The function of pivoting the protective cover is extracted from the main manipulator body and implemented through a simple control projection following a control contour. This removes the need for complex electromechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic actuator systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If the storage system is designed with modular storage locations, then the design effort and manufacturing costs are reduced, but access to each storage location requires independent control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodular design and manufacturing costsVSAvoidcontrol connections to storage locations
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The manipulator with its control projection serves as a universal access mechanism for all storage locations. The same manipulator structure and control projection principle can access any storage location in the modular system without requiring dedicated control lines to each location.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4183533B1Construction robot with a manipulator and a storage system
Publication Date: 2024.04.10 HILTI AG
  • EP4183533B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4183533B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4183533B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a storage system (100) with at least one storage location (112). The storage location (112) has a protective cover (116), for example, for protection against incoming and/or outgoing particles, liquids, and/or gases, and a storage area (114), wherein the protective cover (116) is pivotably arranged on the storage location (112). The invention further relates to a construction robot (10) with such a storage system (100). The invention provides reliable access to the storage location (112).