Collaborative Robot Arm Refuelling in Explosive Atmospheres
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refuelling systems require human interaction, which is incompatible with future mobility trends and poses health risks due to potential bacterial and viral transmission, and industrial robots face operational limitations from external factors.
Innovation Solution
A robotic refuelling system utilizing a collaborative robot arm with integrated detection units and an adapter tool, capable of identifying vehicles, engaging with fuel dispensers, and refuelling without human intervention, while meeting safety requirements in various environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a traditional manual refuelling system is used, then human interaction is required to operate the refuelling process, but this increases the risk of bacterial and viral transmission and is incompatible with future mobility trends
Solution Approach 1:
The refuelling system is designed to operate autonomously without human intervention. The robot arm automatically positions and connects the fuel nozzle to the vehicle's fuel inlet, dispenses fuel based on predetermined parameters, and completes the refuelling process independently, eliminating the need for human operators at the fueling point
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated robotic system. The robot arm, equipped with sensors and control systems, substitutes human hands and operations, performing tasks such as nozzle positioning, connection to fuel inlet, and fuel dispensing through automated mechanical and electronic control
2Reliability
If an industrial robot arm with external safety system is used, then safety requirements are met, but the operation may be aborted due to external factors such as dust, rain or snow
Solution Approach 1:
The robot arm operates within a controlled environment that maintains safety conditions. The system creates a protected operational space where fuel dispensing occurs under controlled atmospheric conditions, preventing external contaminants like dust, rain, or snow from interfering with the refuelling process while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary controlled environment between the external weather conditions and the refuelling operation. This intermediate space allows the robot to operate safely and reliably regardless of external factors, mediating between the uncontrollable outdoor environment and the precision requirements of the refuelling process
3Ease of operation
If human interaction is required during refuelling, then the process can be monitored and controlled manually, but this limits the system's ability to support future mobility trends and increases health risks
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs refuelling operations autonomously without requiring human presence at the fueling point. The robot completes the entire process from vehicle identification to fuel dispensing and nozzle retraction, eliminating direct human contact with fueling equipment and thereby removing the health risks associated with bacterial and viral transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the human operator from the refuelling process, removing them from the immediate environment where fuel dispensing occurs. By taking out the human element from direct interaction with the fuel nozzle and vehicle fuel inlet, the system eliminates the transmission risk while maintaining operational capability through automated monitoring and control
Data Source
AI summary
A collaborative robot arm for being used in an explosive environment includes electronics contained in at least one housing with at least one opening and a pressurization system configured for pressurizing the at least one housing with a gas at a predefined pressure level above atmospheric pressure.