Mobile Additive Manufacturing for Large-Scale Roadway Construction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current additive manufacturing technologies are limited by the size of the workspace and the mobility of equipment, restricting the production of large-scale structures and roadways, and lack the ability to operate independently or apply materials in new and dynamic environments.
Innovation Solution
The development of a mobile additive manufacturing apparatus, referred to as an Addibot, which includes a drive system for independent movement, a navigation system for location determination, a controller for executing algorithms and providing control signals, and an additive manufacturing system capable of depositing materials based on digital models, allowing for the creation of advanced building structures and roadways.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If traditional additive manufacturing equipment is used, then manufacturing precision can be maintained, but the workspace size is limited and large-scale structures cannot be produced
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the large-scale construction task into multiple segments by using multiple mobile additive manufacturing robots that work in coordination. Each robot maintains precision on its local workspace while collectively building large-scale structures through segmented operations and coordinated material deposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from traditional 2D planar additive manufacturing to 3D spatial construction by deploying mobile robots that move freely in three-dimensional space. This enables construction of large-scale volumetric structures while maintaining precision through spatial coordination and multi-axis material deposition control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additive manufacturing equipment is made mobile, then operational flexibility and adaptability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile additive manufacturing robot is designed as a universal platform that integrates multiple functions: locomotion on various surfaces, material deposition, navigation, and adaptation to different construction tasks. This multi-functional design achieves operational flexibility while managing complexity through integrated system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges previously separate functions (mobility, material handling, deposition control, and navigation) into a single integrated mobile robotic platform. This consolidation achieves operational versatility while managing complexity through unified control systems and coordinated subsystem integration.
3Productivity
If multiple mobile additive manufacturing robots are used, then productivity and construction speed improve, but coordination and control complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where multiple mobile robots continuously communicate their positions, status, and progress to a central coordination system. This real-time feedback enables synchronized operations, collision avoidance, and coordinated material deposition, achieving high productivity while managing multi-robot complexity through continuous monitoring and adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary planning and path computation before construction begins, pre-coordinating the movements and material deposition sequences of multiple robots. This advance preparation reduces real-time coordination complexity while maintaining high construction speed through pre-planned synchronized operations.
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 the creation of complex, large-scale structures and roadways with integrated features such as electrical infrastructure and sensors, enhancing infrastructure development and repair capabilities while improving operational efficiency and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
an additive manufacturing system to deposit material or combination of materials in prescribed locations across the surface that the mobile additive manufacturing apparatus is on or will move to during its processing
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides various aspects for mobile and automated processing utilizing additive manufacturing and the methods for their utilization. In some examples, discrete material formats for use in an Additive Manufacturing Array are disclosed. Methods of using the additive manufacturing robot, discrete materials, and the roadways produced with the additive manufacturing robot are provided. A combined function Addibot, with Additive Manufacturing capabilities, cleaning capabilities, line painting capabilities and seal coating capabilities which may be used in concert with a camera equipped aerial drone for design and characterization function is described.