Object-gathering apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for collecting specific objects from surfaces, such as brass ammunition casings, are inefficient when the objects 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 collect the objects effectively.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled object-gathering apparatus with a rotating sweep assembly that uses mechanical action to collect objects without vacuum suction or water jets, equipped with a control system for navigating within a bounded operational area and a receptacle design that separates debris from the objects of interest.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If vacuum suction is used to collect objects, then collection efficiency is improved, but surface damage and debris intermixing worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the vacuum suction system (pneumatic/hydraulic) with a mechanical sweeping system. The sweep assembly uses rotating brushes or sweeps that mechanically contact and propel objects into the receptacle, eliminating the need for vacuum generators and reducing surface damage while maintaining collection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mechanical sweep assembly as an intermediary between the surface and the receptacle. This sweep assembly acts as a mediator that transfers objects from the surface to the receptacle through mechanical contact, avoiding direct vacuum application to the surface and thereby preventing surface damage and debris intermixing.
2Productivity
If water jets are used to scour objects from the surface, then collection efficiency is improved, but surface damage and water usage worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the water jet system (hydraulic) with a mechanical sweeping system. The sweep assembly uses rotating mechanical elements to dislodge and collect objects, eliminating the need for water jets and thereby reducing water consumption while maintaining effective object collection from the surface.
3Productivity
If vacuum suction is used to collect objects, then collection efficiency is improved, but debris separation capability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the sweep assembly with selective mechanical action. The sweep elements are configured to contact and propel specific objects of interest while allowing debris to remain on the surface or be separated, enabling selective collection based on object characteristics rather than collecting all material equally as vacuum suction would.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If mechanical sweeping is used to collect objects, then surface damage is reduced, but collection efficiency worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the sweep assembly rotatable and adjustable. The rotation of the sweep elements provides continuous motion and varied contact angles, enhancing the mechanical action's effectiveness in collecting objects while maintaining gentle contact that protects the surface. The dynamic motion allows the system to adapt to different object positions and surface conditions.
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 efficiently collects desired objects while minimizing surface damage and intermixing with debris, maintaining the surface in a use-ready condition and allowing for selective collection of objects like brass casings from natural surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The sweep assembly is configured to transfer objects from the surface into the receptacle by applying mechanical force to the objects in response to rotation of the sweep assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A self-propelled object-gathering apparatus includes a chassis, a drive system coupled to the chassis and configured to traverse the apparatus over a surface, and a receptacle coupled to the chassis. The apparatus also includes a sweep assembly coupled to the chassis and rotatable with respect to the chassis. The sweep assembly is configured to transfer objects from the 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 rotation of the sweep assembly.