Robotic Wiping Medium for Fluid Removal in Paint Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automotive surface repair processes are inefficient due to the manual removal of process fluid or slurry by human operators, which is time-consuming and prone to errors, and existing robotic systems lack effective fluid removal capabilities, leading to suboptimal paint finishes and increased repair times.
Innovation Solution
A robotic repair system equipped with a motive robot arm and a wiping medium, including a base layer and features, that moves to press against the surface for efficient fluid removal, utilizing a wiping motor and sensors to optimize wiping parameters and achieve steady-state water retention, thereby streamlining the repair process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual wiping is used to remove process fluid, then fluid removal effectiveness is improved, but repair time increases and operator fatigue occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical wiping system with an automated robotic arm system that performs sanding, polishing, and fluid removal operations. The robotic arm with end effector automatically executes the repair process, eliminating manual labor while maintaining or improving operational consistency and reducing overall repair time through continuous automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm is designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing sanding, polishing, and fluid removal operations through different end effectors or tool configurations. This universal system consolidates multiple repair steps into a single automated platform, improving efficiency while maintaining effective fluid removal capabilities.
2Productivity
If robotic automation is implemented for surface preparation, then productivity increases, but fluid removal capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system incorporates multiple functional capabilities including sanding, polishing, and fluid removal through a single automated arm with interchangeable or multi-purpose end effectors. This allows the system to maintain comprehensive repair capabilities while operating in fully automated mode, preserving fluid removal effectiveness while achieving high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary fluid removal mechanism (such as a wiping element or vacuum interface) that bridges the gap between automated robotic operation and the need for effective fluid/slurry removal. This intermediary component enables the robotic arm to perform fluid removal functions that would otherwise require manual intervention.
3Productivity
If wiping parameters are optimized for steady-state water retention, then wiping efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through sensors that monitor the wiping process parameters such as contact force, speed, and fluid removal effectiveness. This feedback enables the control system to automatically adjust wiping parameters to maintain optimal steady-state water retention, improving wiping efficiency while the automated control manages the complexity of parameter coordination.
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 system significantly reduces repair time, improves paint finish quality by effectively removing slurry between sanding and buffing steps, and extends the lifespan of wiping mediums by maintaining near-steady-state water retention, allowing for more efficient and reliable robotic surface preparation.
Implementation Method 1
the limiting factor in wipe efficiency is water removal. Wiping parameters should be selected to drive water out of the pad such that the pad operates close to a steady state, with respect to water retention
Data Source
AI summary
A wiping system for a robotic repair unit is presented that includes a motive robot arm with a motor, a connection mechanism coupled to the motive robot arm, and a wiping medium coupled to the connection mechanism. The wiping medium includes a base layer and a plurality of features extending from the base layer. The motive robot arm, powered by the motor, moves the wiping medium. The motive robot arm is configured to move the wiping medium toward, or away from, a worksurface. The motive arm is configured to press the wiping medium toward the worksurface during a wiping operation. During the wiping operation, the wiping medium is driven by a wiping motor against the surface.