Chimney Sweeping Robot Based on a Pneumatic Actuator

Abstract

The need of improving the quality of professions led to the idea of simplification of processes during chimney sweeping. These processes have been essentially the same for tens of years. The goal of this paper is to bring an automation element into the chimney sweeping process, making the job easier for the chimney sweeper. In this paper, an essentially in-pipe robot is presented, which uses brushes to move while simultaneously cleaning the chimney or pipeline. The problem of the robot motion was reduced using an in-pipe robot due to the environments and obstacles that the robot has to face. An approach of using a pneumatic actuator for motion is presented along with the mechanical design. The next part of this paper is focused on the mathematical model of the robot motion, as well as its simulation and testing in the experimental pipeline. The simulations were compared with the experimental measurements and a few analyses were conducted describing the simulation model and its differences with the real robot, as well as considering certain parameters and their impact on the performance of the robot. The results are discussed at the end of the paper.

Measuring Procedures for Evaluating the Surface Roughness of Machined Parts

“…These are mainly applied in the field of mechanical engineering, mechatronics, robotics, production engineering, machining, biomedical engineering, automotive engineering, tribology, microsystems, precision mechanics, etc. [66][67][68][69][70][71][72][73][74][75][76][77][78][79][80][81][82][83][84][85].…”

GPS Application in the Design of Gearboxes

“…Regarding the conventions and symbols used in production documentation, international and national standards are used, and there is no reason to duplicate this proven methodology, rather an overview is offered of what is important in communicating how to translate knowledge into purposeful action at the level of the production drawing board. The goal of technical drawing is to depict the requirements for a functional design with clear and relevant information so that the product is manufactured, and these requirements are verified [6][7][8]. The methods used in the design process should be clear and concise so as not to cause confusion in the interpretation of the design and, consequently, should enable the interpretation of the design requirements by all those involved in the process.…”

Towards the Design of a User-Friendly Chimney-Cleaning Robot

“…The obstruction of a chimney can arise due to the accumulation of soot and creosote, leading to stagnation and an excessive emission of smoky odors. To prevent the buildup of soot and the occurrence of fires, a proposition involves the utilization of autonomous robotic apparatus designed for chimney cleaning, such as proposed in [1][2][3][4]. Traditional methods for chimney cleaning persist, involving chimney sweeps who deploy steel or plastic brushes.…”

“…In addition, the robot must meet the competitor's standard radial size of 200 to 250 mm or a 400 to 500 mm diametral size to fit within standard chimneys. Furthermore, the total range of the robot must allow for the navigation of at least 50 m in the chimney, as also mentioned in [1][2][3][4].…”