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 due to interference from debris and potential damage to the surface, especially in environments like shooting competition fields where the objects are interspersed with dirt and grass.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled object-gathering apparatus with a rotating sweep assembly and control system that detects a bounded operational area, using mechanical action to collect objects while avoiding damage to the surface by excluding vacuum suction and water jets, and featuring independent suspension and sensors to navigate over obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If vacuum suction is used to collect objects from the surface, then collection efficiency is improved, but the surface may be undesirably altered or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the vacuum suction system (pneumatic/mechanical field) with a mechanical sweep assembly consisting of rotating brushes and sweeps that physically contact and gather objects. This substitution eliminates the harmful suction force that could damage the surface while maintaining collection functionality through direct mechanical action.
2Productivity
If water jets are used to scour objects from the surface, then collection efficiency is improved, but the surface may be undesirably altered or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the water jet system (hydraulic system) with a dry mechanical sweep assembly using rotating brushes and sweeps. This substitution eliminates the need for water jets that could damage the surface, achieving object collection through purely mechanical means without liquid application.
3Productivity
If traditional collection systems are used, then objects can be gathered, but debris becomes intermixed with desired objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different local qualities to different parts of the sweep assembly: softer brushes contact the surface to gather objects without disturbing debris, while harder sweeps or rakes positioned differently handle larger debris items. This spatial differentiation of material properties enables selective gathering that maintains separation between desired objects and debris.
Solution Approach 2:
The sweep assembly is divided into multiple independent components (brushes, sweeps, rakes) that can be positioned at different angles and heights to handle different types of material. This segmentation allows the system to process objects and debris through different pathways, preventing intermixing while maintaining collection efficiency.
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
Effectively collects desired objects with minimal intermixing of debris, maintaining the surface in a use-ready condition by employing mechanical collection methods and advanced navigation and obstacle detection systems.
Implementation Method 1
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 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 control system coupled to the chassis. The control system is programmed to detect a bounded operational area, and to guide the apparatus within the bounded operational area. The apparatus also includes a receptacle coupled to the chassis, and 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 in response to rotation of the sweep assembly.