Topography Following Material Collection Device for Uneven Terrain
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ground-material-collecting implements, such as rakes and cultivators, face limitations in stability, maneuverability, capacity, and orientation when used on uneven terrain, leading to inefficiencies in material collection.
Innovation Solution
A Topography Following Material Collection Device that incorporates a topography following system and a material collection system with pivotable and leveraged ground-contacting implements, allowing the device to maintain stability and adjust height and orientation to effectively collect material from varying ground surfaces while being supported by a vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional ground-material-collecting implements are used on uneven terrain, then material collection can be performed, but stability and maneuverability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic linkage system with multiple pivots and linkages that allow the implement to actively adapt its geometry to uneven terrain. The linkage between the collector and the vehicle includes adjustable components that change configuration based on ground conditions, enabling the system to maintain both stability and maneuverability across varying terrains.
Solution Approach 2:
The implement is divided into multiple independent collection units or stages that can operate semi-autonomously. Each segment can adjust its position and orientation relative to the ground, allowing localized adaptation to terrain variations while maintaining overall system stability and maneuverability.
2Productivity
If traditional ground-material-collecting implements are used on uneven terrain, then material collection can be performed, but capacity and orientation are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage system incorporates dynamic orientation adjustment mechanisms that allow the collection implements to change their angle and position relative to the vehicle and ground. This dynamic capability enables the system to maintain optimal collection orientation across uneven terrain, maximizing material capture capacity while adapting to varying ground slopes and contours.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes adjustable geometric parameters within the linkage system, including variable link lengths, adjustable pivot angles, and modifiable collector orientations. These parameter changes allow the implement to optimize its capacity and orientation for different terrain conditions, enabling high material collection efficiency across diverse environmental conditions.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the device uses passive deflection to follow topography, then laterally stable progress is achieved, but active adjustment capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates both passive deflection mechanisms and active adjustment capabilities within a unified dynamic linkage system. The passive components provide automatic adaptation to terrain, maintaining lateral stability, while active control mechanisms remain available for operator-directed height and orientation adjustments when needed, combining the benefits of both approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage system is designed to perform multiple functions through a single integrated structure. It simultaneously provides passive topography following for stability, active height adjustment for operational flexibility, and maintains collection capacity across various conditions. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable to different operational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A topography following material collection device and related methods thereof are disclosed. According to an aspect, The device comprises a topography following system, a material collecting system, a plurality of ground contacting implements, where the topography following system provides support for the material collecting system at a desired height with respect to a ground surface, and the material collection system supporting the ground contacting implements in supplemental and augmenting stages, such that the device is adapted to be moved over ground with laterally-stable progress while following topography of the ground to collect material from the ground.