Collapsible Ball Collector With Impeller Feed for Wide-Area Pickup
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Solution Overview
Problem
The need for efficient and automated collection of golf balls and other sport balls scattered over large areas, which is labor-intensive and weather-dependent, leading to increased costs and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A self-powered ball collection device with movable chassis, angled collection arms, and an impeller mechanism to gather and direct balls into a collection receptacle, featuring a collapsible design for storage and transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual ball collection is used, then labor flexibility is maintained, but collection efficiency and productivity are low
Solution Approach 1:
The collection device is self-powered by converting the gravitational potential energy of collected balls into kinetic energy to propel itself forward. The balls themselves power the mechanism that collects them, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex motor systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the collection function with the propulsion function into a single integrated system. The same balls being collected serve dual purposes: they are the target objects to be gathered and simultaneously the energy source that moves the device forward.
2Area of stationary object
If collection arms are extended for wide area coverage, then collection area increases, but device size and storage difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The collection arms are designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing them to extend outward during operation to maximize collection area, then fold inward along the device body for compact storage and transport. This dynamic configuration enables the device to adapt between wide-area collection mode and compact storage mode.
3Productivity
If rapid ball collection is achieved, then productivity increases, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses the gravitational potential energy of the collected balls themselves to power its movement. As balls are deposited into the collection chamber, their weight creates a tipping moment that rotates the device forward, converting potential energy into kinetic energy without requiring external power sources.
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
Enables rapid and efficient collection of dispersed balls, reducing labor requirements and weather dependencies, while allowing for compact storage and transport.
Implementation Method 1
the impeller is responsive to the front axle, such that forward rotation of the wheel(s) causes the impeller to rotate within the collection pathway
Implementation Method 2
a ball is guided via the collection arms to the collection pathway where it is captured by the crossbars of the impeller
Implementation Method 3
The extension arms can be disengaged from the pivot arm and medially rotated to be positioned approximately parallel with the body of the chassis
Data Source
AI summary
A ball collection device having a movable chassis securing a pair of retractable collection arms forming an angled collection zone configured to gather and direct a dispersed quantity of objects towards a collection assembly having impeller rotatably coupled to a front axle such that forward movement of the chassis causes the impeller to rotate thereby capturing the gathered objects and transmitting them individually to a guide channel on the chassis for collection within a removable receptacle.