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Building A Robotic Mechanism for Cleaning Trench Drains

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Conference

2019 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Location

Tampa, Florida

Publication Date

June 15, 2019

Start Date

June 15, 2019

End Date

June 19, 2019

Conference Session

Manufacturing Division Technical Session 4

Tagged Division

Manufacturing

Page Count

13

DOI

10.18260/1-2--32483

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/32483

Download Count

466

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Paper Authors

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Adithya Kaushik University of Cincinnati

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Graduate Student
Mechanical and Materials Engineering
College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
University of Cincinnati

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biography

Janet Dong University of Cincinnati

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Dr. Janet Dong is an associate professor in the College of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Cincinnati. She is the director of UC Center for Robotics Research. She holds a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering and a MS degree in Manufacturing Engineering. She received her Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Columbia University in 2003. Her academic interests include manufacturing engineering technology, process planning, control and automation, robotics, and manufacturing automation integrations.

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Ce Gao University of Cincinnati

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My current research aims at utilizing modern machine learning and data analytics techniques on infrastructure management, assets condition prediction and integrated infrastructure management systems. My past experience also involves building energy simulation, LEED, and robotics design.

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Hazem Elzarka University of Cincinnati

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Dr. Hazem Elzarka is a Professor of Civil Engineering at the College of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Cincinnati, USA. He is a registered professional engineer (PE) in the State of Ohio, a LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP), and a Certified Energy Manager (CEM). He has consulted for federal and state agencies and major US and international construction firms. His consulting/research work is in the areas of Infrastructure asset management, Green Buildings, applications of advanced computer technologies in the construction industry, and Total Quality Management. He has recently served as the principal investigator of several research projects for the Ohio Department of Transportation related to infrastructure asset management.

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Abstract

This paper discusses the fabrication of a novel mechanism for the cleaning of trench drains. It deals with the manufacturing aspects of a robot which fits into the drain and cleans it without needing to interfere with the surrounding traffic or the drain itself. The entire cleaning process includes breaking the dirt down, sucking the dirt, and transporting it to a collection unit. This is combined into a single mechanism-a robot; therefore, it is designed to be faster than the previous methods used for the purpose. The mechanism uses a drive system to move inside the drain, on which a square suction tube is attached. The drive is bidirectional to control the robot as needed so it can be controlled remotely. Moreover, the mechanism also has a cutting assembly with cutting arms to better facilitate the suction. The cutting arms have metal brushes installed, the rotation of which loosen the debris and push it towards the drain surface. To create the most efficient mechanism for this purpose, two prototypes were fabricated. The performance of both prototypes has been summarized. This paper will focus on the machining and manufacturing aspects of these prototypes and provide insights on the better mechanism and the best practices for its most optimal operation.

Kaushik, A., & Dong, J., & Gao, C., & Elzarka, H. (2019, June), Building A Robotic Mechanism for Cleaning Trench Drains Paper presented at 2019 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition , Tampa, Florida. 10.18260/1-2--32483

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