LYNX De-Icing
Posted on Tuesday, March 30th, 2021
| Client | |
| Professor(s) | Wael Ismaeil, |
| Program | Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technician |
| Students | Brady Macdonald Cameron Merkley Khrush Rahman |
Project Description:
The Lynx De-icing robot is a small form autonomous de-icing tank. The system navigates to the area to be cleared of ice utilizing the LIDAR sensor technology, which, combined with a so-called Robotic Operating System, identifies the robot’s surrounding and sets a route to avoid obstacles.
The prototype we have created can carry a payload of 50lbs. This allows it to have a robust chassis, extended operation time, large payload, heavy duty treads, and carry a high-capacity battery. All of this provides the Lynx minimal downtime, and the ability to respond to ice events immediately, precisely, and maximizing de-icing application.
With these features and by utilizing 3D printed manufacturing, we hope to provide a robust, flexible, and cost-effective solution to localized de-icing operations.
3D printing allowed our team to manufacture custom parts cheaply, allows further experimentation with the Lynx’s parts, provides ease of assembly and allows it to have treads with replaceable pads. This last feature opens up the option to repair only the damage or worn pads or be able to swap pads without fully disassembling the treads.
Short Description:
We have designed an autonomous robot that performs de-icing operations in high-traffic walking spaces that freeze over. It can carry enough de-icing liquid to clear any area outside large facilities such as nursing homes, hospitals, etc.