Remotely Controlled Patcher Arm for Safe Pavement Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for repairing imperfections in paved surfaces, such as potholes, are often labor-intensive, unsafe, and inefficient, requiring multiple operators to manually apply patching materials while exposing workers to traffic and harsh weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A mobile patcher system equipped with a remotely controllable arm and patching material dispensing subsystem, allowing a single user to control the application of aggregate and asphalt emulsion from the safety of a vehicle, enabling precise and efficient repair of paved surfaces without the need for manual labor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If manual methods are used to apply patching materials, then the repair process can be performed with simple equipment, but multiple operators are required and workers are exposed to traffic and harsh weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
A remotely controllable arm acts as an intermediary between the operator inside the vehicle and the patching material dispensing subsystem at the repair location. This allows the operator to control the dispensing of patching materials without directly exposing themselves to traffic and harsh weather conditions, while the system complexity is managed through centralized control from the vehicle's interior.
2Ease of operation
If multiple operators are used to manually apply patching materials, then simple equipment can be used, but labor intensity and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patcher system enables a single operator to perform tasks that previously required multiple workers. The remotely controllable arm and automated dispensing subsystem allow one person to independently handle material application, reducing labor intensity while maintaining or improving repair efficiency through streamlined operation from a centralized control location.
3Productivity
If a remotely controllable arm with dispensing subsystem is used, then safety and efficiency are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The remotely controllable arm is designed to perform multiple functions including positioning the dispensing subsystem, controlling material flow, and adapting to various repair scenarios. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate specialized equipment into a single versatile system, managing overall complexity while maintaining enhanced productivity and safety capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A patcher system for patching a paved surface includes a remotely controllable arm attachable to a vehicle and a patching material dispensing subsystem disposed on the remotely controllable arm. The patcher system may be part of a mobile patcher system which additionally includes a vehicle, a patching material distribution subsystem disposed on the vehicle, and a control subsystem. A software product may include instructions that, when executed by a computer, perform steps for controlling the patcher system.