Dynamic Percussion Device for Automated Traffic Cone Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for placing and collecting plastic cones on roads, airports, and port areas are inefficient and hazardous, as they require manual handling, which is physically demanding and poses safety risks due to the need for operators to lean out of vehicles at slow speeds, and previous mechanical solutions are either ineffective or require specialized cones, limiting their adoption.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic percussion device that attaches to a vehicle's conveyor system, featuring a movable striker that tilts cones slightly for easy pickup and transport, utilizing kinetic energy to rapidly return to its initial position, allowing for high-speed cone collection and placement without manual effort, ensuring safety and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual cone collection is performed by operators leaning out of the vehicle, then the cones can be grasped and stacked, but the operator experiences physical fatigue and safety risks due to bending and twisting efforts
Solution Approach 1:
The cone automatically tilts itself when struck by the percussion means, lifting its sole to engage with the conveyor without requiring operator manipulation. The system uses the cone's own geometry and the percussion impulse to achieve the tilting action, making the collection process self-serving and eliminating physical strain on operators
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical action of operators grasping and stacking cones is replaced by a percussion-based mechanical system that strikes the cone to initiate automatic tilting and conveyor engagement. This substitution eliminates the need for operators to physically handle heavy cones while maintaining collection efficiency
2Productivity
If a fixed striker is used to tilt the cone, then the cone can be tilted for conveyor engagement, but the striker may completely tip the cone over, especially at higher vehicle speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The percussion means is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to adapt its position and movement dynamics based on vehicle speed and cone location. The movable design enables controlled tilting at varying speeds without causing complete cone overturning, as the system can adjust its kinetic energy delivery to match operational conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of the percussion action (force, duration, position) based on vehicle speed and cone characteristics. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system achieves reliable cone tilting for conveyor engagement without excessive force that would cause complete tipping, especially at higher speeds
3Productivity
If the vehicle operates at higher speeds to improve productivity, then more cones can be collected per unit time, but the manual collection method becomes more dangerous and physically demanding
Solution Approach 1:
The automated percussion and conveyor system performs the collection function without requiring operators to lean out of the vehicle or manually handle cones at speed. The system serves itself by using mechanical means to tilt and transport cones, eliminating operator exposure to safety hazards while maintaining high collection rates
Solution Approach 2:
The dangerous manual mechanical handling of cones at vehicle speed is replaced by an automated mechanical percussion system. This substitution removes operators from hazardous positions and replaces their manual actions with controlled mechanical impulses that safely tilt and convey cones even at higher vehicle speeds
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 safe placement and collection of cones at speeds up to 30 km/h, reducing operator fatigue and risk, while being compatible with standard cones and existing vehicles, thus improving operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing kinetic energy to rapidly return to its initial position
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a dynamic striking device designed to be secured to devices used to collect standardized cones, such as a roller or belt conveyor arranged in a known manner at the rear of the collection vehicle or extending along a side wall of the vehicle, and terminating at a side door where the operator is stationed. The device is fitted and secured to the side walls of a cone conveyor. Said device comprises a technical striking means (solidly connected to the collection vehicle, thereby generating the movement of the striker and consequently the impact against the cone), said striking means taking the form of a cone striker that can move forwards (AV) and backwards (AR), AR denoting the usual but non-limiting direction in which the collection vehicle travels.