Modular Roller System with Adjustable Weight for Demining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional roller-type demining devices face challenges with weight-related issues, such as high transportation costs and risks due to extra weight, and debris accumulation that reduces effectiveness and increases safety hazards during operation.
Innovation Solution
A modular roller system with adjustable weight components and debris removal mechanisms, including paddle components on wheels to prevent bow waves and bolts for clearing debris, allowing for customizable weight distribution and easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the roller is made heavier to increase detonation force, then the effectiveness in detonating mines is improved, but the transportation cost and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The roller system is divided into modular components including the frame, arm assemblies, and detachable weight components. This segmentation allows the roller to be transported without all weights attached, reducing transportation cost while maintaining the capability to achieve sufficient detonation force when weights are attached during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The weight configuration is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. Weight components can be attached or removed from the frame based on operational requirements, allowing the system to optimize between transportation efficiency and detonation effectiveness as needed.
2Force
If additional weight is added to the roller to increase force, then the detonation capability is improved, but the difficulty and danger of retrieving or reorienting the roller increases
Solution Approach 1:
The roller system is segmented into the frame, arm assemblies, and weight components that can be independently handled. If the roller becomes overturned or damaged, the lighter frame and arm assemblies can be more easily manipulated and retrieved, while weight components can be detached to reduce the overall weight burden during recovery operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The weight parameter of the roller is made variable rather than fixed. During normal operation, full weight is attached for maximum force. During retrieval or emergency situations, weight components can be removed to change the weight parameter, making the roller easier to handle and reorient.
3Force
If the vehicle is raised onto the roller to apply weight, then the force applied by the roller is improved, but the safety of the vehicle and driver decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The weight function is segmented from the vehicle to the roller system itself through detachable weight components on the frame. This eliminates the need for the vehicle to position itself close to the roller for weight application, thereby removing the vehicle and driver from the danger zone while still achieving the necessary force for detonation.
4Force
If the vehicle is raised onto the roller to apply weight, then the force applied by the roller is improved, but the maneuverability of the vehicle decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The weight application function is segmented from the vehicle to the roller system. The vehicle maintains its normal operating position and maneuverability while the roller system independently manages its own weight through attached weight components on the frame, eliminating the need for the vehicle to raise onto the roller.
5Device complexity
If traditional rollers are used without debris removal mechanisms, then the device complexity is reduced, but the operational time increases due to manual clearing
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly includes integrated debris removal features where debris is automatically cleared from between the wheel and hub assembly during rotation. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention to clear debris, reducing operational downtime without significantly increasing device complexity.
6Device complexity
If traditional rollers are used without debris removal mechanisms, then the device complexity is reduced, but the safety of personnel increases during combat situations
Solution Approach 1:
The debris removal mechanism operates automatically during wheel rotation, clearing debris without requiring personnel to approach the roller. This eliminates the need for manual clearing operations that would expose personnel to detonation risks, thereby improving safety without significantly complicating the device structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
In an implementation, a roller system is provided. The roller system includes a modular frame. The frame includes a plurality of weight component attachment points. Each weight component attachment point is adapted to receive one or more weight components such that a weight of the frame and location of a center of gravity of the frame is adjusted by the addition of one or more weight components to each of the plurality of weight component attachment points. The frame further includes at least one arm assembly adapted to connect to the frame, and to apply force to a surface, wherein the force applied to the surface is proportional to the weight of the frame and the location of the center of gravity of the frame.