Reach-in Arm Mine Detection Apparatus

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current mine detection technologies are unsafe for operators, prone to damage from detonated mines, and cause environmental harm, with vehicle-mounted systems risking operator safety and environmental destruction, handheld systems putting soldiers at risk, airborne systems being ineffective, and mechanical clearing devices being incomplete and damaging.

Innovation Solution

A platform with a reach-in arm and sensor system that allows for controlled and safe detection of subsurface objects, featuring a quick-connect interface, motor controllers, and a computer for data processing and movement control, enabling precise detection and marking of mine locations while minimizing risk to the operator and environment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If vehicle-mounted detection systems are used to detect AT mines, then detection capability is improved, but operator safety deteriorates and environmental damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidoperator safety and environmental damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the detection function into separate modular sensors that can be independently deployed and replaced. The sensor package is separated from the vehicle platform, allowing the sensor to be quickly disconnected and replaced after detonation without compromising the vehicle or requiring complex repairs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor package is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component. When a sensor detonates a mine, it can be quickly disconnected and replaced with a new sensor, avoiding expensive repairs and minimizing operator exposure to hazards. This makes the system more resilient to the inherent dangers of mine detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Adaptability or versatility

If handheld sensors are used for mine detection, then detection flexibility is improved, but operator safety deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection flexibilityVSAvoidoperator safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces a remote-operated reach-in arm as an intermediary between the operator and the sensor. The arm allows the sensor to be positioned close to suspected mines while the operator remains at a safe distance, eliminating direct exposure to detonation hazards while maintaining detection flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If sensors are positioned close to subsurface objects for accurate detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidsensor and apparatus safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the sensor from the main vehicle platform using a reach-in arm, creating an independent sensor package. This segmentation allows the sensor to be positioned close to subsurface objects for accurate detection while isolating it from the vehicle's vulnerable components, so that detonation damage is limited to the sensor itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares for potential detonation damage by designing the sensor package to be easily replaceable and isolating it from critical vehicle systems. Quick-connect interfaces and modular design allow for rapid sensor replacement before damage can propagate to the vehicle or require complex repairs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Area of stationary object

If mechanical clearing devices are used for mine detection, then detection coverage is improved, but environmental damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection coverageVSAvoidenvironmental damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces mechanical clearing devices (rollers, plows, flails) with a sensor-based detection system using electromagnetic or other non-contact sensing methods. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical contact with the ground, preserving vegetation and soil structure while maintaining detection coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8374754B2Apparatus for detecting subsurface objects with a reach-in arm

Publication Date: 2013.02.12 ELTA NORTH AMERICA INC

AI summary

An apparatus for detecting objects on or beneath a surface of a medium having a reach-in arm, the base of the reach in arm connected to a platform, and the distal end of the reach-in arm connected to a sensor. The sensor detects objects on or beneath the surface of a medium and is capable of monitoring the distance of the sensor from objects in the path of the sensor. Motor controllers are connected to the reach-in arm and the sensor for controlling the movements of the reach-in arm and sensor. A computer is in communication with the reach-in arm, the sensor, and the motor controllers. The computer detects objects on or beneath the surface of a medium; determines the location of the reach-in arm and sensor relative to objects in their paths; and controls the movement of the reach-in arm and sensor either automatically using pre-programmed software or according to user inputted commands.