Brick Laying System

Abstract

A brick laying system where an operator such as a mason works proximate a moveable platform having a robotic arm assembly, a mortar applicator with a mortar transfer device, and a brick transfer device to build structures. The robotically assisted brick laying system may also contain a stabilizer having a disturbance sensing and a disturbance correcting component that provides compensation for disturbances caused by load shifting, movement of the platform, wind, operator movement, and the like. In addition, the robotically assisted brick laying system has a sensing and positioning component for controlling placement of the moveable platform and robotic arm assembly. The interoperability of the system with a mason or skilled operator removes much of the manual labor component of brick laying, allowing the mason more time to focus on craftsmanship and quality, thus improving the end product and the overall working conditions of the mason.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 207,328 filed Aug. 10, 2011 entitled “Brick Laying System” to Peters, Podkaminer and Coller, which claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 373,202 filed Aug. 12, 2010, also entitled “Brick Laying System”; the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, including all specifications, drawings, and appendices.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates generally to automated construction equipment, and more particularly to a Brick Laying System.[0004]2. Description of Related Art[0005]The work of a mason typically involves manual labor to move and place bricks, and to apply mortar to the bricks. Brick structures are desirable for a variety of reasons, including their structural integrity, low maintenance costs, and longevity. Unfortunately the labor costs to ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a system for robotically assisting in the laying of bricks. The system includes a gantry with a moveable platform, a robotic arm assembly, control software, a mortar applicator, a mortar transfer device, a brick transfer device, and a sensing and positioning component. The technology makes it possible to place bricks accurately and easily.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately the labor costs to construct a brick building are significantly higher than that of other building materials such as wood.

Mason work is also prone to worker related injuries due to accidents, muscle and skeletal fatigue, and the like.

Mason work is slow and physically demanding, and also requires a skilled workforce.

As the skill of a mason goes up, so does the labor cost of that individual.

Many projects require a mason of a certain skill level due to the overall complexity of the project or the need for technical or aesthetic excellence.

Mason work, and specifically brick laying, has seen little in the way of automation, and is still a labor intensive, slow process.

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