Robotic Spray Vehicle for Precise Deicing Coverage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic deicing technologies often damage vegetation and surfaces due to the use of rock salt and lack precision in application, making them undesirable and unpredictable.
Innovation Solution
A robotic vehicle equipped with GPS, local positioning beacons, and contactless sensors to navigate defined boundaries, apply deicing solution with precision, and avoid obstacles, using a spray assembly with flow control and calibration to ensure accurate coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rock salt is spread over the surface for de-icing, then ice removal effectiveness is improved, but vegetation and surfaces are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rock salt to a liquid de-icing solution, and controls the application concentration and quantity parameters through electronic flow meters and programmable controllers, achieving effective de-icing while reducing harmful effects on vegetation and surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical spreading method with an automated liquid spraying system controlled by electronic flow meters, sensors, and programmable controllers, enabling precise application that minimizes damage to surrounding vegetation and surfaces
2Ease of operation
If rock salt is spread manually or with simple mechanisms, then de-icing function is achieved, but application control precision is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual or simple mechanical spreading with an automated electronic control system that uses flow meters, sensors, and programmable controllers to precisely regulate liquid de-icing solution application, achieving both ease of operation and high precision control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates sensors that detect surface conditions and provide feedback to the programmable controller, which automatically adjusts the flow rate and application timing of the de-icing solution, ensuring precise control while maintaining ease of operation
3Productivity
If de-icing solution is applied without flow control, then application speed is improved, but coverage uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces uncontrolled application with an electronically controlled spray system that uses flow meters and programmable controllers to precisely regulate liquid delivery, maintaining high application speed while ensuring uniform coverage through automated flow management
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A robotic vehicle (10) may include a chassis supporting a storage tank in which an aqueous solution is contained, a mobility assembly operably coupled to the chassis to provide mobility for the robotic vehicle about a service area (20), a positioning module (60) configured to provide guidance for the robotic vehicle (10) during transit of the robotic vehicle (10) over the service area (20), a spray assembly (90) and control circuitry (12).