Suspended Automation System Ceiling Rail Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic systems face challenges in navigating interior spaces with obstacles, reaching high areas, accessing storage without dedicated floor space, and transporting equipment, and lack efficient power supply methods for home use.
Innovation Solution
A ceiling-mounted automated system with a rail array, gantry, and robotic arms that allows for selective movement, storage, and manipulation of articles, incorporating a motorized rotating platform, cameras, and counter-balances, enabling tasks like construction, maintenance, and storage without using on-board batteries or cords.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If robots move on the floor to perform household tasks, then they can access various areas for cleaning and maintenance, but they encounter obstacles such as thresholds, carpets, steps, furniture, and people that interfere with navigation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the robotic system from floor-based operation to ceiling-based operation, utilizing the overhead space dimension. The rail array is mounted on the ceiling, allowing the robotic device to traverse horizontally above the room, completely avoiding floor obstacles while maintaining access to all areas through vertical descent capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If floor space is used for storage of articles, then articles are easily accessible, but living space is reduced due to increasing population densities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the overhead ceiling space for storage by mounting the rail array and associated storage mechanisms above the room. Articles can be stored in containers or compartments attached to the ceiling-mounted system, making them accessible through the robotic device's retrieval capabilities while preserving all floor space for living activities.
3Ease of operation
If robots use on-board batteries for power, then they can move freely without cords, but the battery weight reduces operational time and requires frequent recharging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical battery-powered mobile system with a ceiling-mounted rail-based system. The robotic device is suspended from and moves along the ceiling-mounted rail array, eliminating the need for heavy on-board batteries. Power can be supplied through the rail system itself, enabling continuous operation without weight constraints or recharging requirements.
4Area of stationary object
If ceiling-mounted automation systems are installed, then floor space is freed up for living use, but the header above doorways prevents robot movement between rooms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ceiling-mounted rail system into separate segments for different rooms, with each room having its own ceiling-mounted rail array. The robotic device can operate independently within each room's ceiling plane, and inter-room transfer is achieved by positioning the robot at doorways and manually or automatically transferring it between adjacent ceiling rail systems, avoiding the need for continuous overhead clearance.
Data Source
AI summary
A suspended automation system includes a rail array secured to a ceiling. A gantry moves in an X-Y plane defined by the rail array with a drive mechanism. A controller with a human user interface allows for selective movement of the gantry to transport, and in some instances store or manipulate articles. A motorized rotating platform and one or more of a robotic arm, a camera, or a counter-balance are added to the platform to facilitate storage and manipulation, as well as actions in the area below the ceiling. A rail array in some embodiments is equipped with storage modules located above the rail array, the storage modules can take a variety of shapes and sizes for storage of an article. A related process of article movement and actions can be accomplished by the suspended automation system. Still another related process is overhead storage and selectively delivery of an article.