Tethered Construction Drones With Cable-Handling Service Drone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing construction projects rely heavily on large cranes and numerous workers, which increase costs and time due to the complexity and manual labor involved.
Innovation Solution
A drone system comprising power drones and service drones that work in unison to perform construction tasks autonomously or with worker assistance, utilizing a supply truck for power and tool attachments, and auxiliary trucks for additional personnel and supplies, enabling efficient and scalable construction operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If heavy trucks and large cranes are used for transporting heavy supplies, then construction capability is improved, but project cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the construction site into multiple zones with multiple drones operating independently. Each drone handles specific delivery routes and construction tasks, segmenting the overall construction process into parallel operations that reduce bottlenecks and improve overall productivity without requiring heavy machinery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical systems (trucks and cranes) with aerial robotic systems. Drones use vertical takeoff and landing capabilities along with three-dimensional flight paths to transport materials and tools, eliminating the need for ground-based heavy machinery and associated infrastructure.
2Productivity
If multiple building crew members are deployed, then construction tasks are completed, but labor cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements autonomous drones that perform construction tasks without human intervention. Drones autonomously navigate to construction sites, deliver materials, position components, and even perform assembly tasks using onboard robotic manipulators, eliminating the need for large numbers of manual laborers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions (material delivery, tool delivery, component positioning, and assembly) into single integrated drone units. Each drone serves as a multifunctional construction worker, consolidating tasks that would traditionally require multiple specialized workers into one autonomous platform.
3Force
If traditional construction machinery is used, then heavy lifting capability is achieved, but equipment cost and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses drones with sufficient thrust-to-weight ratio to counteract gravity and lift construction materials. The aerial robotic systems generate upward aerodynamic forces through rotor or jet propulsion to overcome the weight of carried loads, providing lifting capability without mechanical advantage systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from ground-based horizontal transport to aerial three-dimensional movement. Drones operate in the vertical dimension and can move materials directly between floors and locations without navigating complex ground infrastructure, significantly simplifying the equipment and infrastructure required.
Data Source
AI summary
A construction drone system includes a first (service) drone and a second (power) drone that work in unison to perform construction tasks to build a building or to assist a construction crew building a building. The service drone assists the power drone, and the power drone performs the construction task (with one or more interchangeable tools) or assists the construction crew. The drones exclude battery packs and instead are tethered by power cables to motorized reels (e.g., on a bed of a truck). The service drone incudes a pulley over which the table to the power drone extends, preventing ground contact of the power cables. The drone system can be operated remotely by an operator.