Vehicle-Mounted Object Picker Arm for Selective Rock Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural equipment is prone to damage and safety hazards from rocks and other objects in fields, leading to costly repairs, lost productivity, and inefficient manual removal methods that disturb the soil and require multiple passes.
Innovation Solution
A ground vehicle-mounted object-collection system with a mechanical arm assembly, rail and carriage assembly, pivot assembly, and end-effector, allowing precise and efficient removal of small objects with minimal ground disturbance, using electro-hydraulic or electrical controls for maneuverability and high operator visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated robotic systems are used for object manipulation, then productivity and precision are improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows operators to directly manipulate objects using their own hands while seated in the vehicle, eliminating the need for complex automated robotic manipulators. The object is presented to the operator who can then handle it directly, making the system self-sufficient for the manipulation task without requiring expensive automation infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle-mounted presentation system acts as an intermediary between the object source and the operator. It brings objects directly to the operator's location in a controlled manner, simplifying the overall system by replacing complex robotic manipulation with a straightforward presentation-and-handtake mechanism
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple operators share a vehicle, then collaboration is improved, but object security and control become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dedicated object presentation and manipulation space for each operator within their own vehicle station. Each operator has localized control over objects at their position, ensuring security and control while allowing multiple operators to work independently in different vehicles or designated areas
Solution Approach 2:
The system can be deployed in multiple separate vehicles, each serving a single operator, rather than sharing one vehicle among multiple operators. This segmentation maintains object security by isolating each operator's access to specific objects in their own controlled environment
3Ease of operation
If objects are stored in fixed locations, then system simplicity is maintained, but accessibility and response time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamically reconfigurable storage and presentation mechanisms that can adapt object locations based on current operational needs. Objects are automatically transported and presented at optimal locations near operators, eliminating fixed storage constraints and reducing retrieval time through active, adaptive positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-positions objects near operators before they are needed for manipulation. The automated presentation system anticipates operator needs and delivers objects to convenient locations in advance, eliminating wait time and improving accessibility without requiring operators to search for objects
Data Source
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Figure 3
Figure 4A
AI summary
An object-collection system is disclosed. The system includes a mechanical arm assembly, a receptacle, an end-effector, and a user input device. The mechanical arm assembly has multiple degrees of freedom and is configured to pick up small objects off of the ground surface. The receptacle holds small objects that are picked up by the mechanical arm assembly. The end-effector is positioned at a proximal end of the mechanical arm assembly. The end-effector grasps and acquires small objects from the ground surface. The user input device provides operator control input from an operator on the ground vehicle to actuate the multiple degrees of freedom of the mechanical arm assembly and to actuate the end-effector. The user input signals from the user input device control electric or hydraulic actuators in the object collection system.