Mobile Robotic Coating Distribution for Hazardous Production Spaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional distribution systems are not mobile, occupy significant production floor space, and are unsuitable for hazardous environments, while manual application leads to human error and exposure to toxic chemicals.

Innovation Solution

An automated and mobile distribution system equipped with a mobility system, robotic distribution device, environmental sensors, and a waste unit, allowing for safe and efficient coating of parts in various environments, including hazardous ones.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If floor mounted robotic distribution systems are used, then coating automation is achieved, but the system occupies large production floor space and is not mobile

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoating automationVSAvoidproduction floor space

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution system is designed with mobile components including casters or wheels that enable the entire coating system to be moved to different locations on the production floor, transforming a stationary system into a dynamic, reconfigurable one that maintains automation while reducing fixed space occupation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The distribution system is divided into separate modular components including the distribution device, material housing unit, and waste unit that can be independently moved and reconfigured, allowing the system to occupy minimal space while maintaining full automated coating capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual application is used, then flexibility is maintained, but human error and exposure to toxic chemicals occur

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidhuman exposure to toxic chemicals

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates automatic navigation capabilities with sensors and controllers that enable the mobile distribution system to autonomously locate parts, position itself for coating, and complete the distribution process without human intervention, eliminating chemical exposure while maintaining operational flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical application operations are replaced with an automated robotic distribution system that uses sensors, controllers, and automated navigation to perform coating tasks, substituting human labor with an autonomous system that eliminates exposure to toxic chemicals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the distribution system is made mobile, then flexibility of placement is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplacement flexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile distribution system incorporates multiple functions within integrated components - the mobility system handles both movement and positioning, sensors perform both navigation and environmental monitoring, and the controller manages both navigation and coating operations, reducing overall system complexity through functional integration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If automated distribution is implemented, then human error is reduced, but installation and operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereduction of human errorVSAvoidinstallation and operational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250381580A1System and method for automated distribution

Publication Date: 2025.12.18 LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP

AI summary

In one embodiment, a distribution system is provided. The distribution system comprises an enclosure to house the distribution system. The distribution system further comprises a robotic distribution device configured to receive a first distribution position, move to a first distribution position, and coat a first part. The distribution system further comprises a plurality of sensors 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 configured to move the enclosure to the first physical position and move the enclosure to the first distribution position.