Battery powered object-gathering apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing object-gathering systems are inefficient in collecting specific objects from surfaces, especially when they are interspersed with debris or embedded in natural surfaces, as they often rely on vacuum suction or water jets, which can damage the surface or fail to separate desired objects from unwanted materials.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled object-gathering apparatus with a mechanical sweep assembly that collects objects by rotating bristles without using negative pressure or water jets, featuring a chassis with wheels for mobility, a receptacle for object collection, and a control system for navigating within a bounded operational area, allowing for selective collection with minimal surface disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If vacuum suction is used to gather objects from the surface, then objects can be collected, but the surface may be damaged or altered undesirably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the vacuum suction system (pneumatic/mechanical field) with a mechanical sweep assembly consisting of rotating brushes or broom elements that physically sweep objects into a collection receptacle. This mechanical substitution eliminates the harmful vacuum effect on the surface while achieving object collection through direct mechanical contact and motion.
2Productivity
If water jets are used to scour objects from the surface, then objects can be collected, but the surface may be undesirably altered or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the water jet system (hydraulic system) with a mechanical sweep assembly using rotating brushes or broom elements. This substitution eliminates water-related surface damage while achieving object dislodgement and collection through mechanical sweeping action, directly addressing the surface protection requirement.
3Productivity
If vacuum suction or water jets are used, then objects can be gathered, but debris becomes intermixed with desired objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a mechanical sweep assembly with selectively positioned and configured brushing elements that can be adjusted to target specific object types while leaving debris untouched. The local quality of the sweeping action allows differentiation between desired objects and debris based on their physical properties and positions, enabling selective collection without complete surface coverage that would gather all materials.
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 apparatus effectively collects desired objects while leaving the surface in a use-ready condition, reducing debris intermixing and surface damage, and can operate autonomously or manually, depending on the environment and boundary complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The sweep assembly is configured to transfer objects from the surface into the receptacle by mechanical action on the objects, and without use of negative pressure or vacuum suction acting on the objects during the transfer, in response to powered rotation of the sweep assembly by the power supply
Data Source
AI summary
An object-gathering apparatus includes a chassis, a plurality of wheels coupled to the chassis, a receptacle coupled to the chassis, a power supply coupled to the chassis, and a sweep assembly coupled to the chassis. The sweep assembly is configured to transfer objects from a surface into the receptacle by mechanical action on the objects, and without the use of negative pressure or vacuum suction acting on the objects during the transfer, in response to powered rotation of the sweep assembly by the power supply. The wheels can be configured to be manually driven or driven by the power supply. The power supply can include a battery clip affixed to the chassis and accessible from an exterior of the object-gathering apparatus. The sweep assembly can be coupled to a sweep assembly housing that is coupled to the chassis and configured for vertical adjustment relative to the chassis.