Oblique-Impact Construction Robot for Wider Reach Without Repositioning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Construction robots for processing building elements face limitations in flexibility and cost-effectiveness, particularly due to the need for complex mechanical systems and frequent repositioning, which increases manufacturing costs and reduces efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A construction robot with a driving platform, lifting device, and machine tool that allows the tool to be angled obliquely relative to the building element's surface normal, enabling automatic adjustment of the impact angle based on the horizontal distance, reducing mechanical complexity and allowing the robot to reach a wider area without relocating, thus enhancing flexibility and reducing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the construction robot uses a complex mechanical system with multiple degrees of freedom to position the tool perpendicular to the surface normal, then the manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool positioning precisionVSAvoidmechanical system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of tool orientation from strictly perpendicular (0° impact angle) to oblique (non-zero impact angle up to 10°). This parameter change allows the use of simpler mechanical systems with fewer degrees of freedom, as the robot no longer requires precise perpendicular positioning mechanisms. The lifting device can use basic pivoting or articulation instead of complex multi-axis positioning systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Area of stationary object

If the construction robot frequently relocates its driving platform to reach different work positions, then the area coverage is improved, but the productivity and efficiency deteriorate due to time-consuming repositioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework area coverageVSAvoidconstruction work efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic adjustment of the tool angle of impact during construction operations. The lifting device can pivot or articulate to change the tool's orientation without requiring the driving platform to relocate. This dynamic angular adjustment allows the robot to access different work positions within its reach area, significantly reducing the need for frequent repositioning and improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Length of stationary object

If the construction robot uses a lifting device with large stroke to reach high work positions, then the area coverage is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifting device strokeVSAvoidlifting mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric positioning where the driving platform is placed at an offset horizontal distance from the building element rather than directly below the work position. This asymmetric arrangement, combined with oblique tool angling, allows the lifting device to achieve extended reach with reduced stroke requirements. The lifting mechanism can be simpler because it compensates for reach limitations through angular adjustment rather than requiring extremely long vertical strokes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

4Manufacturing precision

If the construction robot maintains strict perpendicular tool alignment to the surface normal, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability to different work positions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool alignment precisionVSAvoidflexibility to reach work positions
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the orientation parameter from fixed perpendicular alignment to variable oblique alignment with controlled impact angles. This allows the tool to adapt to different work positions and building element geometries while maintaining sufficient precision for construction tasks. The adaptability is enhanced because the robot can adjust the angle of impact to match the required work position without requiring complex repositioning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4403314A1Construction robot with lifting device and method for processing a building element
Publication Date: 2024.07.24 HILTI AG
  • EP4403314A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4403314A1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP4403314A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a construction robot (10) for processing a building element (12), comprising a transport platform (14), a lifting device (16) arranged on the transport platform (14), and a machine tool (17) arranged on the lifting device (16), into which a tool (18) can be received. It is characterized in that the construction robot (10) is configured to align the tool (18) at an angle of impact (alpha) obliquely to a surface normal (N) of a building element (12) to be processed. The invention further relates to a method (1000). The invention enables particularly flexible execution of construction work.