Mobile Sprayer With Vertical Arm and Lateral Base Motion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated painting systems require complex robotic arms with multiple joints for three-dimensional movement, which are cumbersome and limited by a fixed base, making them inefficient for painting large or hard-to-reach surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A mobile base with wheels or tracks, an applicator arm movable along a vertical axis, and a nozzle system that can spray fluid while the base remains stationary or moves laterally, allowing for efficient application of fluid stripes without the need for a fixed robotic arm.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed base robotic arm is used for automated painting, then the system can apply paint to components, but the system becomes complex and limited in its ability to reach large or hard-to-reach surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to reach large or hard-to-reach surfacesVSAvoidcomplex robotic arm with multiple joints

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the painting function into two independent segments: a mobile base that can move freely across the work area and a simple applicator arm that moves vertically. This segmentation eliminates the need for a complex multi-joint robotic arm while maintaining the ability to reach various surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static fixed-base configuration to a dynamic mobile base that can move autonomously across the work area. The applicator arm dynamically adjusts its vertical position to reach different heights, providing adaptability without requiring complex mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a fixed base robotic arm is used, then the system structure is simplified, but the component must move to a position where the arm can reach it, reducing flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in positioningVSAvoidfixed base configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of having the applicator move to reach the component (fixed base approach), the system inverts the approach by having the base move to reach the component. The mobile base autonomously positions itself adjacent to the component, and the simple applicator arm applies paint from that position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of manufacture

If the nozzle is positioned directly over the mobile base, then the structure is simplified, but the spray fan cannot be effectively applied to the surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidfluid application effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The spray tube extends beyond the mobile base in a horizontal direction, positioning the nozzle in a different spatial dimension relative to the base. This allows the spray fan to be oriented orthogonal to the sweep direction, enabling effective fluid application to vertical surfaces while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS20250296107A1Systems for automated mobile painting of structures

Publication Date: 2025.09.25 GRACO MINNESTOA INC

AI summary

An automated mobile sprayer (AMS) includes a mobile base, an applicator arm supported by the mobile base, and a nozzle extending from the applicator arm. The nozzle receives fluid from a fluid supply and generates an atomized fluid spray for application to a surface. The applicator arm moves vertically relative to the mobile base and the surface to cause the nozzle to generate a vertical fluid stripe. The mobile base moves laterally relative to the surface to cause the nozzle to generate a horizontal fluid stripe.