Mobile Robotic Coating Enclosure for Hazardous Workspaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manufacturing systems for part coating are often stationary, occupying large floor space, costly to install, and unsuitable for hazardous environments, with manual application prone to human error and exposure to toxic chemicals.
Innovation Solution
An automated, mobile distribution system equipped with an enclosure, mobility system, robotic distribution device, sensor, and waste unit, capable of navigating and coating parts in various environments, including hazardous ones, while complying with Class 1, Division 1 safety standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If floor mounted robotic distribution systems are used, then coating automation is achieved, but the system occupies large floor space and is not mobile
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a stationary floor-mounted configuration to a mobile robotic platform that can be repositioned as needed. The mobile robot carries the coating equipment and moves dynamically to different work positions, eliminating the need for fixed installation and reducing permanent floor space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds mobility dimensions to the coating equipment by implementing a mobile robotic platform with wheeled or tracked movement capabilities. This allows the system to operate in multiple locations rather than being confined to a single fixed position, effectively utilizing floor space more efficiently.
2Ease of operation
If manual coating application is used, then flexibility in operation is maintained, but human error and exposure to toxic chemicals occur
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile robotic system performs coating operations autonomously without requiring human operators to be present in the hazardous environment. The robot navigates, positions, and applies coating material automatically, eliminating human exposure to toxic chemicals while maintaining operational flexibility through programmable control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical coating application with an automated robotic system. The robotic arm with coating applicator is controlled through programmable logic and sensors, substituting human operators with an automated mechanism that eliminates exposure risks while maintaining or improving operational flexibility.
3Productivity
If stationary distribution systems are installed, then coating capability is provided, but the systems are costly to install and not suitable for hazardous environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a mobile platform instead of fixed installation, allowing the coating equipment to be transported to different locations as production needs change. This dynamic configuration reduces installation costs by eliminating complex civil works and enables easy reconfiguration of production layouts without permanent infrastructure investment.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile robotic system is designed to operate in multiple environments including hazardous areas, serving multiple production lines or workstations. The universal design allows a single system to replace multiple stationary installations, reducing overall system cost while maintaining coating capability across different locations and hazard zones.
Data Source
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AI summary
In one embodiment, a distribution system (100) is provided. The distribution system comprises an enclosure (104) to house the distribution system. The distribution system further comprises a robotic distribution device (108) configured to receive a first distribution position, move to a first distribution position, and coat a first part (102). The distribution system further comprises a plurality of sensors (110) configured to receive a first physical position, receive a first distribution position, determine whether the enclosure is in the first physical position, determine whether the enclosure is in the first distribution position, determine whether the robotic distribution device is in the first distribution position, and monitor an environment surrounding the enclosure. The distribution system further comprises a mobility system (106) configured to move the enclosure to the first physical position and move the enclosure to the first distribution position.