Robotic Ceiling Drilling With Vibration-Damping Drill Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Construction workers face challenges with manual drilling in ceilings and walls, including labor-intensive marking, accuracy issues, high vibration and noise from power tools, and the need for cumbersome equipment, which can lead to safety concerns and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A robotic drilling apparatus with a lightweight robotic arm, a lifting mechanism, and a control unit that uses BIM files to autonomously drill holes with precision, reducing vibration through a suction-based vibration reducing assembly and minimizing manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If power tools like rotary hammers are used for drilling, then drilling capability is achieved, but significant vibration is generated during operation
Solution Approach 1:
A counterweight is integrated into the drill support structure to balance the vibrations generated during drilling operations. The counterweight is positioned and dimensioned to create opposing forces that cancel out the harmful vibrations from the rotary hammer, reducing the net vibration transmitted to the robotic arm and improving operational stability.
Solution Approach 2:
A vibration isolation mechanism is introduced as an intermediary element between the rotary hammer and the robotic arm. This intermediary component absorbs and dampens vibrations before they can be transmitted to the robotic arm, protecting the precision positioning system from harmful oscillations while allowing the drilling operation to proceed.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If dust collecting collars or shrouds are used to reduce dust effects, then dust control is improved, but significant weight is added to the boring systems
Solution Approach 1:
The drill support structure is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides positional stability for the rotary hammer, incorporates vibration reduction through counterweights, and integrates dust collection capabilities. By combining these functions into a single multi-functional unit, the system avoids the need for separate heavy-duty components for each function, optimizing the weight-to-performance ratio.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual marking up and positioning is performed, then flexibility is maintained, but the process is very time consuming and accuracy depends on workman's skill
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor system is integrated into the drill support structure to detect the precise position and orientation of the drilling surface. This feedback information is used by the control system to automatically calculate and adjust the drilling parameters, eliminating the need for manual marking up while maintaining high accuracy. The system adapts to different surfaces and conditions in real-time based on sensor data.
4Power
If conventional power tools are used for overhead drilling, then drilling operation is performed, but the workman has to stand on ladder or platform and lift heavy equipment above head
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical system of lifting and positioning heavy drilling equipment by hand is replaced with an automated robotic system. The robotic arm with integrated drill support structure can autonomously position and stabilize the rotary hammer at overhead locations, eliminating the need for workers to manually lift heavy equipment or work from unstable ladders and platforms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The robotic system significantly reduces manual labor, improves drilling accuracy, minimizes vibration and noise, and allows for efficient, autonomous operation, enhancing safety and productivity on construction sites.
Implementation Method 1
minimizes vibration and noise through a suction-based vibration reducing assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic drilling apparatus is described which has been adapted for drilling holes in ceilings and walls on a construction site. The apparatus (100) comprises a robotic arm (110) mounted to a substructure (112), the substructure comprising a lifting mechanism arranged to lift the robotic arm to a working position, wherein the robotic arm has a base end (110a) and a movable end (110b), the base end being mounted to an upper surface (114) of the lifting mechanism and the movable end being capable of movement with respect to the base end in a three dimensional space, wherein the robotic drilling apparatus further comprises a mount (120) provided on the movable end for holding a drilling device (122) and a control unit (134) for controlling the operation of the robotic arm. The lifting mechanism preferably comprises a scissor-jack lifting platform. The robotic arm (110) and any support structure (134) for the robotic arm weighs less than 43 kg, and preferably individually weigh less than 23 kg.