Mobile Additive Manufacturing for Large-Area Roadway Deposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing additive manufacturing technologies are limited by the dimensions of the workspace and the ability of the manufacturing heads to move vertically and horizontally, restricting the production of complex three-dimensional objects.
Innovation Solution
The development of a mobile additive manufacturing apparatus, called an Addibot, which includes a drive system for independent movement, a navigation system for location determination, a controller for algorithmic processing, and an additive manufacturing system to deposit materials based on digital models, enabling autonomous operation and deposition of materials on surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If stationary additive manufacturing systems are used, then manufacturing precision can be maintained, but the area of operation is limited by workspace dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the stationary additive manufacturing system into a mobile platform. The extrusion head is mounted on a mobile platform with drive wheels, navigation system, and control systems, enabling it to move autonomously across large surfaces. This dynamic configuration allows the system to operate over areas much larger than traditional stationary workspaces while maintaining manufacturing precision through real-time position tracking and digital model guidance.
2Volume of stationary object
If extrusion heads are moved above work area, then complex three-dimensional shapes can be formed, but the volume of producible objects is limited by movement capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by adding horizontal movement capabilities to the extrusion head through the mobile platform. Instead of being constrained to vertical movement above a fixed workspace, the system can now traverse large horizontal distances across the surface being manufactured. This enables the production of large-scale objects and structures that extend far beyond the limitations of traditional extrusion head movement ranges.
3Extent of automation
If mobile additive manufacturing apparatus is used, then autonomy and independent operation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by equipping the mobile additive manufacturing apparatus with autonomous navigation capabilities. The system includes a navigation system, communication system, and control system that work together to enable the apparatus to determine its location, navigate to desired positions, and execute manufacturing operations independently without continuous human intervention. The apparatus serves itself by autonomously managing its movement and manufacturing processes.
4Manufacturing precision
If digital models are used to control material deposition, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the time required for processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the continuity of useful action principle by enabling the mobile apparatus to continuously traverse and deposit material along its path of motion. The system processes the digital model and deposits material in a continuous manner as the apparatus moves across the surface, rather than requiring discrete positioning and deposition cycles. This continuous operation maintains manufacturing precision through digital guidance while significantly reducing total processing time.
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
The Addibot allows for the creation of complex three-dimensional structures by moving freely over surfaces and adding materials in precise patterns, overcoming the limitations of traditional additive manufacturing systems.
Implementation Method 1
an additive manufacturing system to deposit a material or combination of materials in prescribed locations across the surface that the mobile additive manufacturing system 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. The present disclosure includes methods processing vision system data. Vision system image data may be processed by artificial intelligence algorithms. The artificial intelligence algorithms may perform GAN based synthesis of image edits to plan deposits of sized features upon detected defects of a surface. An artificial intelligence chip may perform rapid image processing on the fly as a mobile additive manufacturing apparatus functions.