Flexible Connector Tool Unit for Autonomous Gravel Raking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gravel pathways and sports courts often become overgrown with weeds due to neglect, and existing eco-unfriendly weed killers or manual removal methods are labor-intensive and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a mobile robot with a tool unit featuring a mounting bracket, a tool frame sled, and foldable/flexible connectors for automatic raking of gravel areas, allowing for adjustable height and tool exchange to effectively manage different types of gravel and weeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If weed killers like glyphosate are used, then weed control effectiveness is improved, but environmental friendliness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical weed control (glyphosate) with a mechanical system consisting of a mobile robot equipped with raking tools. The robot physically removes weeds and disturbs the gravel surface to prevent weed seed germination, eliminating the need for harmful chemical substances while maintaining effective weed control.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile robot autonomously navigates the gravel area, detects weeds, and performs raking operations without human intervention. The system uses sensors to identify weed locations and automatically positions the raking tools to remove weeds and disturb the surface, enabling self-service weed control that is both effective and environmentally friendly.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If manual weed removal and raking is performed, then environmental friendliness is improved, but labor intensity and time consumption worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile robot autonomously performs weed removal and surface raking operations without requiring human labor. It navigates independently, identifies weeds using sensors, and executes raking actions automatically, transforming a labor-intensive manual task into an autonomous self-service system that saves significant time and effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile robot acts as an intermediary between human operators and the weed control task. Instead of humans directly performing manual raking, the robot mediates the process by autonomously executing the raking operations, thereby eliminating the need for manual labor while maintaining environmentally friendly weed control.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed tool unit is mounted on the mobile robot, then structural stability is improved, but maneuverability during sharp turns deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a fixed rigid connection to a dynamic flexible connection between the mobile robot and the tool unit. The foldable and flexible connectors allow the tool unit to dynamically adjust its position and orientation during robot movement, especially during sharp turns, maintaining both structural stability during operation and maneuverability during navigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible connectors (such as chains, ropes, or mesh) instead of rigid fixed connections. These flexible elements allow the tool unit to bend and fold during sharp turns, enabling the robot to maneuver easily while maintaining stable tool operation during straight-line raking through the natural stiffness of the flexible connectors.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for automatic weed control of gravel areas is shown. The apparatus includes a mobile robot, and a tool unit. The tool unit includes a mounting bracket, a tool frame sled, and a pair of foldable and/or flexible connectors spanning between the mounting bracket and the tool frame sled.