Autonomous Surface Treatment Automaton with Segmented Platform
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface treatment robots are limited by their stationary nature and require continuous operator supervision, restricting their autonomy and ability to operate safely around people.
Innovation Solution
A method and automaton system that enables autonomous surface treatment by subdividing the surface into manageable areas, using a movable base and platform to treat each area independently, allowing for predictable movements and cooperative operation with humans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the robot is made stationary on the ground with only the arm moving, then the robot structure is simple and stable, but the range of action is geographically limited
Solution Approach 1:
The robot is divided into functionally independent modules: a mobile base for locomotion, a vertical platform for height adjustment, and a manipulator arm for treatment operations. Each module can move independently, allowing the robot to achieve wide geographic range while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot adds vertical movement capability through the platform that moves perpendicularly to the base, enabling access to high ceilings and three-dimensional work spaces. This dimensional extension expands the range of action without requiring complete structural redesign.
2Reliability
If the robot is surrounded by a safety zone to avoid accidents, then safety is improved, but the robot's mobility and operational flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The robot employs dynamic movement control where the mobile base can autonomously navigate to optimal positions and the platform can adjust vertical height dynamically. This dynamic capability allows the robot to operate safely around people by actively positioning itself to maintain safety zones while preserving full mobility and operational flexibility.
3Extent of automation
If the robot is directly controlled by an operator in real time, then safety and adaptability are improved, but the operator's workload increases and automation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The robot is equipped with autonomous navigation capabilities where the mobile base automatically positions itself and the platform automatically adjusts height based on predetermined work zones. This self-service functionality reduces operator workload significantly while maintaining safety through automated control of movement and treatment operations.
4Reliability
If the robot treats surface sequentially in subdivisions, then safety and predictability are improved, but treatment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-divides the entire surface into multiple standardized treatment zones before beginning work. The mobile base and platform are programmed to move through these predetermined zones in an optimized sequence, allowing the robot to maintain predictable sequential treatment while minimizing total treatment time through efficient zone transition planning.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a treatment method for treating a surface for treatment by means of an automaton (1) comprising: a base (2) configured to move over ground; a platform (6) mounted on the base and configured to move, at least in part, perpendicularly to the base; and treatment means (10) mounted on the platform and including a movable end (12) configured to treat a given area; the method comprising: a) subdividing the surface for treatment into subdivisions of area less than or equal to the given area; b) treating the surface of each subdivision by controlling movements of the treatment means (10); and c) changing subdivision by moving the platform (6) and/or by moving the base (2) over the ground. The invention also provides an automaton for performing the above method.