Mobile Surface-Processing Robot Arm With Linear Boom Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current robot systems for construction sites are complex, heavy, and costly, limiting their mobility and ease of use for surface processing of building structures, particularly in construction environments where flexibility and simplicity are needed.

Innovation Solution

A mobile robot device with a self-propelled platform, a programmable control unit, a lifting unit, and a robot arm featuring a linearly movable boom axis and multiple rotary axes, allowing for flexible and efficient surface processing with a processing tool that can be easily aligned and moved to cover large areas without the need for complex path planning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If complex articulated robot systems are used for surface processing, then processing flexibility is improved, but device weight increases and mobility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing flexibilityVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The robot arm is divided into multiple modular segments (base unit, lifting unit, boom unit, jib unit, arm unit) that can be independently controlled and configured. This segmentation allows the system to achieve complex processing flexibility while keeping each individual segment lightweight and manageable, resolving the contradiction between overall system flexibility and total device weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The robot arm employs dynamic positioning with multiple degrees of freedom (azimuth angle, elevation angle, boom extension, jib extension, arm extension) that can be adjusted in real-time during operation. This dynamic adaptability provides processing flexibility without requiring a permanently heavy structure, as the system only adds mass where and when needed for specific tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If heavy robot systems with high processing capability are deployed, then surface processing precision is improved, but ease of transport and mobility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface processing precisionVSAvoidease of transport
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into transportable modular units that can be disassembled and reconfigured. The base unit contains the control system and power supply, while the robot arm segments can be detached and transported separately, enabling high-precision processing equipment to be easily moved between different construction sites without requiring heavy-duty transport infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The robot arm's geometric parameters (boom length, jib length, arm length, extension ranges) can be adjusted to optimize for either precision or transportability depending on the application. The system maintains high processing precision through controlled parameter adjustments rather than relying solely on increased mass, allowing the same equipment to achieve precision results while remaining easily transportable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If mobile robot devices are designed to be lightweight and simple, then mobility and ease of use are improved, but processing capability and flexibility worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of useVSAvoidprocessing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The robot arm is designed as a universal system capable of performing multiple surface processing tasks (painting, coating, inspection, repair) through a single integrated platform. The modular segments can be configured for different applications, and the system can adapt to various building structures (walls, ceilings, columns) without requiring separate specialized equipment, thereby providing high processing capability while maintaining ease of use through standardized operation procedures.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The robot arm incorporates self-positioning and self-adjustment capabilities through its multiple degrees of freedom and control system. The system can autonomously navigate and position itself on complex building structures, reducing the need for complex external setup and operation. This self-service capability provides versatile processing ability while maintaining simplicity and ease of use for the operator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Manufacturing precision

If complex path planning and sophisticated operation are implemented, then processing accuracy is improved, but operational complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing accuracyVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical path planning with electronic control and sensor-based navigation. The robot arm uses electronic actuators and control algorithms to achieve precise positioning and movement along complex paths, eliminating the need for sophisticated mechanical linkages and manual path calculation. This substitution maintains high processing accuracy while significantly reducing operational complexity and training requirements.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The robot arm incorporates sensors and control systems that provide real-time feedback on position, orientation, and processing quality. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically adjust its path and movements to maintain processing accuracy without requiring complex pre-planning or sophisticated operator intervention. The closed-loop control simplifies operation while preserving high precision through continuous monitoring and adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4282597A1Mobile robot devices and methods for surface processing of building structures in web form
Publication Date: 2023.11.29 CONBOTICS GMBH
  • EP4282597A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4282597A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4282597A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention discloses a mobile robot device (1) for path-like surface processing of building structures (2a, 2b), comprising: • a movable platform (3); • a control unit (4); • a robot unit (5) comprising a lifting unit (6) with a vertical lifting axis (d1) and a robot arm (7) arranged on the lifting unit (6) with at least one robot axis; and • a processing tool (8) arranged on the robot arm (7) for processing a surface of a monotonous building structure (2a, 2b); wherein the robot arm (7) has a translational robot axis designed as a linearly movable boom axis (d3), and the boom axis (d3) is pivotably arranged on the lifting unit (6) with a first rotary robot axis (q2). The processing tool (8) projects transversely from the linearly movable boom axis (d3) and is configured to process a surface aligned parallel to the boom axis (d3).The linearly movable boom axis (d3) of the robot arm (7) is coupled to a linear actuator and driven linearly by the linear actuator, with the linearly movable boom axis (d3) protruding from the linear actuator on both sides.