Air-Cushion Mine Detection Vehicle with Orbital Scanning Arm

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mine detection methods, including manual and vehicle-based systems, face challenges in efficiently detecting underground mines in all situations, especially in small spaces and requiring fast movement, and are labor-intensive and costly.

Innovation Solution

An unmanned air-cushion mine detecting vehicle equipped with an arm mechanism, detector, GPS positioning system, data recording element, and control circuit, along with lateral thrust fans and sensors, allows for orbital scanning, data recording, and marking of mine positions, enabling remote or autonomous operation and precise navigation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual detection with hand oscillation is used, then detection can be performed in any situation, but the operator becomes tired and movement speed is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator fatigueVSAvoiddetection speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical oscillation system with an automated arm mechanism that performs orbital scanning movements. The detector is mounted on this arm mechanism, which automatically oscillates to scan the ground, eliminating the need for manual hand oscillation and reducing operator fatigue while maintaining detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service through automated detection operations. The arm mechanism automatically executes the scanning motion, the detector autonomously scans for mines, and the GPS system automatically records position information, freeing the operator from manual detection tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If armored wheeled vehicles are used for mine detection, then detection can be performed in open areas, but they cannot operate in small and narrow spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational environment rangeVSAvoidmaneuverability in narrow spaces
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the detection system into a compact airborne vehicle platform combined with an extendable arm mechanism. This segmentation allows the main body to remain small for narrow space operation while the arm mechanism extends the detection range, providing adaptability to various environments including both narrow spaces and open areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from ground-based wheeled vehicles to an air-cushion vehicle that operates in the aerial dimension. This dimensional change allows the vehicle to access narrow spaces and areas inaccessible to wheeled vehicles, while the extendable arm mechanism provides the necessary detection reach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If manual detection is used, then equipment cost is low, but detection efficiency and safety are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a single unified system: the air-cushion vehicle provides mobility, the arm mechanism provides scanning motion, the detector performs mine detection, the GPS system records position data, and the marker system visually marks detected mines. This multi-functional integration improves detection efficiency while managing system complexity through coordinated operation of standardized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The vehicle effectively detects and records underground mine positions, provides visible markings, and operates efficiently in various environments, reducing operator fatigue and cost compared to traditional methods.

Implementation Method 1

an air cushion land craft does not come in contact with the surface of the sea while the air cushion land craft moves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir cushion: Air Lubrication

Implementation Method 2

at least one lateral thrust fan assembly to prevent tilting of the vehicle in the air and to provide a horizontal movement of the vehicle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir pressure thrust: Jet

Implementation Method 3

a detector, which is integrated to the arm mechanism and which scans the underground by an orbital movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOrbital scanning:

Implementation Method 4

at least one data recording element that delivers the position information of the mines, which are detected by the detector, provided by a positioning system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGPS satellite positioning:

Implementation Method 5

Another objective of the present invention is to visibly mark the detected positions of the mines on the ground

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurface marking:

Data Source

PatentEP3526539B1A mine detection vehicle
Publication Date: 2023.03.01 YEDITEPE UNIVERSITESI
  • EP3526539B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3526539B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3526539B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A mine sweeping vehicle (1) having an arm mechanism (18) and a detector (10), which is integrated to the arm mechanism (18) and which scans the underground by an orbital movement, is disclosed. The mine sweeping vehicle (1) comprises at least one data recording element (21) that delivers the position information of the mines, which are detected by the detector (10), provided by a positioning system to a display element (26).