Conformal Windbreak for Mobile Robot Printing Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile robots face challenges in achieving the required precision for printing markings on construction surfaces due to limitations in localization accuracy and environmental conditions, particularly strong winds that cause ink droplet deflection, making it difficult to maintain the necessary precision of less than 1/16″ (1.6 mm) for construction layouts.

Innovation Solution

A mobile printing robot equipped with a resiliently conformable windbreak that mitigates wind-induced deflection of ink droplets by adapting to surface obstacles and irregularities, reducing wind velocity along the trajectory of the ink droplets, allowing the robot to operate accurately over a wider range of wind conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a mobile robot is used for printing markings on construction surfaces, then productivity and automation are improved, but printing precision deteriorates due to localization accuracy limitations and wind-induced ink droplet deflection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of layout markingVSAvoidprinting precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a windbreak as an intermediary structure between the print head and the construction surface. This windbreak creates a protected zone that shields ink droplets from wind interference during flight, thereby maintaining printing precision while allowing the mobile robot to operate in outdoor construction environments where wind is present

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The windbreak is designed with flexible materials that allow it to adapt to varying wind conditions and maintain its protective function. The flexibility enables the windbreak to deform slightly under wind pressure while still effectively blocking wind from reaching the ink droplets, ensuring consistent printing precision across different environmental conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Manufacturing precision

If the print head is positioned closer to the construction surface to improve printing precision, then ink droplet deflection is reduced, but the robot's ability to navigate over surface obstacles and irregularities is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink placement precisionVSAvoidnavigation over surface irregularities

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent solves this contradiction by adding a vertical dimension to the solution through the windbreak structure. Instead of moving the print head closer to the surface (reducing horizontal distance), the windbreak extends vertically to block wind from reaching the ink droplets. This allows the print head to maintain a higher position relative to the construction surface, enabling the robot to navigate over obstacles while still achieving precise ink placement through the protected droplet trajectory

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a rigid windbreak structure is used to block wind, then ink droplet protection is improved, but the ability to adapt to surface obstacles and irregularities deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewind-induced deflection protectionVSAvoidconformability to surface irregularities

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The windbreak is constructed from flexible materials that allow it to bend and conform to surface irregularities and obstacles on the construction surface. This flexibility enables the windbreak to maintain its wind-blocking function while adapting to the varying topography of the construction environment, ensuring both protection against wind-induced deflection and adaptability to surface conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 windbreak enhances printing accuracy by reducing wind-induced deflection, enabling the mobile robot to maintain precise ink placement even in windy conditions, thus supporting the construction of accurate layouts and reducing the need for costly rework or code violations.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWind: Wind

Implementation Method 2

The windbreak is resiliently conformable to adapt to surface obstacles and surface irregularities associated with the horizontal construction surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11338576B2Mobile robot printing with wind protection

Publication Date: 2022.05.24 DUSTY ROBOTICS INC

AI summary

A mobile printing robot includes a windbreak to reduce wind-induced deflection of ink droplets emitted from a printhead of the mobile printing robot. The printhead may have a comparatively large throw height to aid in permitting obstacles, such as particles from safely passing under the printhead without damaging the printhead or cause the printhead to become stuck. The windbreak may be implemented using resiliently compliant sections that block the wind but accommodate the passage of particles or other obstacles.