Track-Mounted Robot for Hazardous Material Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transporting hazardous materials between locations that are not within the reach of a stationary robot is challenging and costly, posing safety and efficiency concerns in industrial facilities.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a stationary robot mounted on a track assembly with a container, allowing the robot and container to move along a track, enabling the transportation of hazardous materials between remote locations while containing the material during transit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a stationary robot is used to transport hazardous materials, then safety is improved by reducing operator exposure, but the robot can only reach locations within its fixed reach distance
Solution Approach 1:
The robot system transitions from a completely stationary configuration to a dynamic one where the robot can move along a track. The robot is mounted on a movable platform that can travel along the track to different locations, allowing the robot to reach remote locations while maintaining safety through automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A track assembly serves as an intermediary structure that enables the robot to move between locations. The track provides a guided pathway for the robot's movement, allowing the robot to access remote locations without requiring the robot to be positioned at every location simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional robots are deployed to reach remote locations, then coverage is improved, but capital expenditures and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of deploying multiple stationary robots, the system uses a single robot that can dynamically reposition itself along the track to serve multiple locations. This dynamic movement capability allows one robot to perform the function of multiple stationary robots, reducing system complexity and capital expenditures.
Solution Approach 2:
The single robot is designed to perform multiple functions by moving to different locations along the track. The robot can service multiple casting machines and holding areas sequentially, making it a universal solution that replaces the need for multiple location-specific robots.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the robot moves to reach remote locations, then coverage is improved, but the robot may be exposed to hazardous materials during transit
Solution Approach 1:
The hazardous material (molten metal) is extracted from the robot's direct path during transit. The system uses a container mounted on the track to hold the molten metal during transport, separating the material from the robot's working environment. The robot manipulates the container from a safe distance rather than directly handling the material during movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The container serves as an intermediary between the robot and the hazardous molten metal during transport. The robot interacts with the container rather than the molten metal itself, and the container protects both the robot and the material during transit along the track between locations.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for transporting material is provided. The system includes a container and a robot having a material-handling device for inserting the material into the container and removing the material from the container. The system also includes a track assembly having a track and at least one platform on which the robot and the container are mounted such that the robot and the container are movable along the track via the at least one platform.