Overhead Drill and Anchor Press With Dust-Controlled Point Layout
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for drilling overhead into concrete surfaces in construction are labor-intensive, physically demanding, and hazardous due to the need for manual operation of hammer drills, which generates silica dust and poses risks of injury from ladder use and muscle strain, while traditional location marking is time-consuming and inaccurate.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system combining a drill, anchor setting tool, and dust collector on a telescopic mast with motorized omnidirectional wheels and integrated point layout using a Total Station, allowing for automatic or manual operation, precise location marking, and dust containment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual hammer drill operation is used for overhead drilling, then the drilling task can be completed, but the worker experiences physical strain, muscle fatigue, and risk of injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical hammer drill operation with an automated robotic system. The robotic arm equipped with a drill bit is controlled by a computer system that automatically positions and operates the drill, eliminating the need for manual physical effort and associated health risks while maintaining drilling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system performs the drilling task autonomously without requiring human physical intervention during the drilling process. The system self-manages the drilling operation through automated control, positioning, and execution, freeing the worker from direct involvement in the physically demanding task.
2Productivity
If a hammer drill is used for drilling into concrete, then drilling penetration is achieved, but silica dust is generated creating harmful airborne particles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent captures the harmful silica dust generated during drilling and converts it into a manageable byproduct. The dust collection system captures airborne particles at the source and directs them into a collection container, transforming the harmful dust into a contained material that can be safely disposed of or reused.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dust collection system as an intermediary between the drilling process and the environment. This intermediate system captures and contains the silica dust, preventing it from becoming airborne and harmful, while allowing the drilling operation to proceed normally.
3Measurement precision
If traditional hand measuring and marking is used for anchor location, then location identification is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional manual measuring and marking methods with a laser-based measurement and positioning system. The system uses laser scanners and computer vision to automatically identify and mark anchor locations with high precision, eliminating the time-consuming manual process while improving accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from manual tape measurements to laser-based optical measurements. This parameter change enables automated, high-precision location identification and marking, significantly reducing both time and human error associated with manual methods.
4Ease of operation
If worker stands on ladder or lift to access overhead surface, then access to work surface is achieved, but risk of injury from falling or instability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for ladders or lifts with a robotic system that can reach overhead surfaces autonomously. The robotic arm extends to the required height and performs drilling operations without requiring human workers to position themselves in hazardous elevated locations, eliminating fall risks entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system acts as an intermediary between the control operator and the overhead work surface. The operator controls the robotic system from ground level, and the robotic arm serves as the intermediate mechanism that reaches and works on overhead surfaces, eliminating the need for direct human exposure to hazardous heights.
Data Source
AI summary
The Overhead Drill and Anchor Press is a single mobile mechanism designed for installation of anchors into a construction surface which is overhead and out of reach of the installer. The overhead drill and anchor press may include a mast, a turret assembly, a controller, and at least one drill. The overhead drill and anchor press can execute the anchor installation sequence automatically or manually with a controller by moving the drill position to drill the hole and set the anchor. The controller may be equipped with a digital display of the turret mounted camera for monitoring the process from the ground. The entire assembly may be manually pushed between target.