Mine-Clearing Grapple With Reversible Mounting for Remote Excavation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mine clearance operations pose significant risks to operators due to explosions from mines and explosive devices, and traditional tools or vehicles used for mine removal can cause damage to equipment and vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A mine-clearing grappling hook with adjustable teeth or claws, attached to a support structure, is designed for reversible attachment to a manipulator tool on a vehicle, allowing safe and controlled excavation of mines from a distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If operators use traditional manual tools or pseudo-grappling hooks to clear mines, then they can access and remove mines from the ground, but their physical integrity is seriously compromised due to explosion risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a robotic manipulator arm as an intermediary between the operator and the mine clearance task. The manipulator arm with interchangeable end effectors performs the dangerous mining removal operations, allowing operators to work from a safe distance while maintaining effective mine clearance capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tools with an automated robotic system. The manipulator arm with motorized control substitutes for manual operation, enabling precise and controlled mine removal while eliminating direct human exposure to explosion hazards
2Productivity
If mine-clearing devices with blades are used to scrape the field, then mines can be unearthed, but the risk of explosion causes substantial damage to the mine-clearing vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mine clearance function into separate modular components: the manipulator arm system, the interchangeable end effectors (including grappling hooks and blades), and the vehicle platform. This segmentation allows the vehicle to remain stationary and armored while the manipulator arm performs the dangerous scraping and excavation operations at a distance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from ground-level vehicle operation to aerial manipulator operation. The manipulator arm extends the operational workspace vertically and horizontally away from the vehicle body, allowing mine clearance operations to be performed from a safe distance above and away from the vehicle, thus protecting the vehicle from explosion damage
3Ease of operation
If operators position themselves close to mines to access neutralization devices, then mine neutralization can be performed, but the risk of explosion seriously compromises physical integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulator arm serves as a mechanical intermediary that extends the operator's reach. By attaching end effectors directly to the manipulator arm, operators can position the tool tip close to mines for neutralization while the operator remains at a safe distance on the vehicle
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal manipulator arm system that can accept multiple types of end effectors including grappling hooks for mine retrieval, blades for scraping, and neutralization devices. This multi-functional system allows operators to perform various mine clearance operations from a single platform, maintaining safety while providing comprehensive operational capability
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 8~9
AI summary
This mine-clearing grapple (1) is equipped with at least one tooth or claw (16, 17), designed to grip an object, particularly a mine. This at least one tooth or claw (16, 17) is attached to a support structure (2, 3), which is equipped with reversible attachment means (10, 11) for use with a manipulator tool, particularly one mounted on a vehicle.