Robotic Road Maintenance Vehicle With Optical-Guided Material Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current road maintenance techniques face safety, ergonomic, efficiency, labor, equipment, material usage, quality, and environmental challenges due to reliance on manual labor, high equipment costs, inconsistent quality, and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A robotic maintenance vehicle (RMV) with a vehicle platform, control system, multi-axis robot, optical system, and location translator, equipped with swappable modules for tasks like cone setting, sealing, painting, and grinding, which automates road maintenance operations to reduce human error and improve efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual labor is used for road maintenance tasks, then workers can perform tasks with flexibility and adaptability, but worker safety is compromised due to exposure to traffic and hazardous materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated robotic system equipped with sensors, processors, and robotic arms that can perform crack sealing, cone placement, and other maintenance tasks without human workers being exposed to traffic and hazardous materials
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic maintenance vehicle is designed to autonomously navigate, detect road features, and perform maintenance tasks without continuous human intervention, with the control system automatically processing sensor data and controlling robotic components
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated trucks and equipment are used for different maintenance tasks, then task performance capability is improved, but equipment cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple maintenance functions into a single robotic vehicle platform that can perform crack sealing, cone placement, and other tasks by equipping it with interchangeable modules and tools, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated trucks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines navigation systems, detection sensors, material storage, and multiple robotic manipulation tools into a single integrated vehicle platform, merging functions that previously required separate equipment into one unified system
3Manufacturing precision
If manual application of road maintenance material is used, then operator judgment and adaptability are utilized, but material application consistency and quality decrease due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual material application with automated robotic dispensing systems that precisely control material flow and placement, ensuring consistent application without human error while the optical systems detect and locate application points
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates sensors and optical systems that continuously monitor road conditions and material application in real-time, providing feedback to the control system to adjust dispensing parameters and maintain consistent quality
4Productivity
If multiple vehicles and equipment are deployed for road maintenance, then task coverage and productivity are improved, but environmental impact increases due to carbon emissions and fuel consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple separate vehicles and equipment into a single robotic maintenance vehicle that performs multiple tasks, thereby reducing the total number of vehicles on the road and associated carbon emissions while maintaining or improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic vehicle is designed with multi-functional capabilities to perform various maintenance tasks with a single platform, replacing multiple specialized vehicles and reducing overall environmental impact
Data Source
AI summary
The robotic maintenance vehicle (RMV) has a propulsion system, a control system, an electrical power source, a maintenance module, a multi-axis robot, an optical system, and a location translator. The maintenance module is configured to hold different kinds of road maintenance materials. The multi-axis robot is configured to convey the road maintenance material from either the maintenance module to the road, the road to the maintenance module, or both. The optical system and the location translator are configured to be controlled by the control system and operate in conjunction to instruct the multi-axis robot where to pick up and/or place the road maintenance material. The multi-axis robot is configured to be selectively coupled to a distal arm tool.