Robotic Platform Routing for Adaptive Inspection and Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional platform inspection and repair processes are inefficient, lack flexibility, and are not automated, as they often rely on conveyors that obstruct the platform and cannot adapt to individual repair needs, leading to limited throughput and inflexible repair solutions.
Innovation Solution
An automated platform handling system using a robotic transportation device with a vision system and modular repair stations, which includes an inspection system to generate compliance scores, route platforms to appropriate repair stations, and perform repair tasks based on sensor data, enabling flexible and efficient platform handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conveyors are used for platform transport, then automation is achieved, but the platform view is obstructed and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the platform handling process into discrete modular repair stations, each capable of independent operation. Platforms are segmented into individual units that can be routed independently through different repair paths based on their specific needs, rather than moving through a fixed conveyor line.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic routing where platforms can be redirected in real-time based on their inspection results and repair requirements. The robotic transportation device can adaptively navigate platforms to different modular repair stations, creating a flexible rather than rigid transport system.
2Productivity
If traditional inspection and repair processes are used, then simplicity is maintained, but efficiency and throughput are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The modular repair stations are designed with universal capabilities to handle multiple types of repairs and inspections. Each station can perform various functions depending on the platform's needs, increasing throughput without requiring entirely separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces traditional mechanical conveyor-based transport with robotic transportation devices equipped with vision systems. This substitution enables more flexible and efficient platform handling while maintaining automation.
3Ease of operation
If fixed repair solutions are implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to individual platform conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates vision systems and sensors that continuously monitor platform conditions and provide feedback to the control system. This feedback enables real-time adjustments to the repair process, allowing the system to adapt to individual platform conditions while maintaining automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables platforms to receive customized repair treatments based on their own specific conditions as detected by the inspection system. Each platform essentially receives a tailored repair regimen automatically, without requiring manual assessment and decision-making for each unit.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an automated platform handling facility that leverages a robotic transportation device that is mobile and unmanned to individually transport, inspect, and repair a platform. The robotic transportation device may place a platform on its edge and move the platform from station to station based on individual inspections at each station. Each inspection may specify another station within the automated platform handling facility based on the current state of the platform. In this way, a platform may be moved between stations in a non-sequential, modular, and adaptive manner.