Gantry robotics system and related material transport
US8029710B2 · University of Southern California
- Patent number
- US8029710B2
- Applicant
- University of Southern California
- Filing date
- 2007-11-02
- CPC class
- B25J 9/026
- Pillar
- Muscle
The patent describes a lightweight robotic gantry system using cables for stiffness and rigidity to enable precise movement of a fluid delivery nozzle in 3D space for contour crafting construction. It addresses limitations of heavy traditional gantries by employing light structural members reinforced with tensioned cables.
Claims
A robotic gantry system comprising two columns riding on rails, a bridge connecting the columns, and cables providing resistance against bending and rotation, configured for moving a fluid delivery nozzle in X, Y, and Z directions for automated construction.
Technical analysis
The system uses a cable-tensioned lightweight frame (columns, bridge) to achieve high stiffness with minimal mass, enabling large-scale 3D printing-like construction via contour crafting. Key innovations include cable routing for multi-axis stability and integration with material transport hoses.
Commercial impact
Enables scalable, automated construction of buildings with reduced labor, material waste, and time; relevant to 3D printing in construction industry and large-scale robotics deployment.
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