Road Cone Chute Mechanism for No-Reconfiguration Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing road cone deployment and retrieval systems face issues with complexity, cost, health and safety risks, and the need for reconfiguration between deployment and recovery modes, particularly in fully robotic systems.
Innovation Solution
A road cone deployment and retrieval system featuring a chute with a retention and release mechanism that includes a claw and retention member, capable of rotating between configurations to separate and release road cones individually, allowing simultaneous collection and deployment without reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If fully robotic systems using a robotic arm are used for road cone deployment and retrieval, then automation is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the road cone handling process into distinct functional segments: a deployment chute for releasing cones, a collection chute for recovering cones, and a retention mechanism for temporary storage. Each segment operates independently with specialized components, avoiding the need for a single complex robotic arm to perform all functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanism serves multiple functions: it holds stacks of road cones during deployment, transfers cones between chutes, and enables both deployment and collection operations from a single vehicle position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices for each operation.
2Extent of automation
If fully robotic systems using a robotic arm are used for road cone deployment and retrieval, then automation is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses simple, inexpensive mechanical components such as gravity-fed chutes, basic retention mechanisms with claws, and straightforward separation devices. These components are designed to be cost-effective and replaceable if needed, rather than investing in expensive robotic arms with complex sensors and control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment and collection chutes utilize gravity to automatically guide road cones through the system without requiring powered actuators or complex control mechanisms. The retention mechanism uses passive mechanical engagement to hold and release cones, eliminating the need for expensive motors and control electronics associated with robotic arms.
3Productivity
If automated systems are used for road cone deployment and collection, then productivity is improved, but the system requires reconfiguration between deployment and recovery modes
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanism is designed to dynamically change its configuration based on the operational mode. The same mechanism that releases cones during deployment automatically transitions to collecting and stacking cones during recovery, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration between modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the deployment and collection functions into a single integrated vehicle-mounted unit. Both deployment and collection chutes are positioned to operate simultaneously or sequentially from the same vehicle location, allowing the system to switch between modes without repositioning or reconfiguring the entire apparatus.
4Productivity
If automated systems are used for road cone deployment from a vehicle, then productivity is improved, but road cone separation and collection issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanism acts as an intermediary between the deployment chute and the collection chute. It temporarily holds road cones in a controlled manner, ensuring proper separation during deployment and reliable collection during recovery, preventing the separation and collection issues that occur in direct transfer systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanism pre-positions and pre-orients road cones before they are released into the deployment chute or collected into the collection chute. This preliminary preparation ensures that cones are properly separated and aligned, improving the reliability of both deployment and collection operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A road cone deployment and collection system comprising including a chute having an upper road cone holding section and a rear opening at the bottom of the chute for road cone deployment and a front opening at the bottom of the chute for road cone collection. A road cone retention and release mechanism is configured to hold a stack of road cones, separate and release one road cone at a time from the stack to the chute for deployment from the rear opening, and add a road cone to a stack of road cones collected from the front opening of the chute and raised to be added to a stack of road cones.