Automated collection system

Abstract

The ACC combines an automated vehicle to tow a collection device. The vehicle has unique attachment and sensing capabilities which allow for the device to be automated. The configuration of the processor and motor drivers and battery and weight distribution are what make the vehicle capable of towing the device. The attachment via custom tow hitch and specific torque allow for the effective collection of material. Various treads may be required to suit different terrains.The processor is situated in the front where it can be accessed to upload a program. The processor is housed in a plastic case which provides some protection for the components and a means to affix it to the vehicle. Additionally, a cosmetic cover provides additional protection and prevents debris from interfering with the movement. The battery is located as low as possible. There is a welded steel structure. The processor uses lower voltage than the motors which requires a motor driver board which is effective a relay switch. The relay switch is activated by a low voltage signal wire which then closes a circuit to the motors providing greater voltage to the motors than the rest of the components. The ultrasonic sensors are located on the front center of the vehicle.

1 . The Automated Collection System is a product that supports the firearms industry, among others. A casing is a part of one round of ammunition. The casing is ejected from the firearm after the bullet is fired. There are numerous sizes of casings under an inch in diameter and approximately one inch long. Casings are most commonly made from brass which is non ferrous and therefore non-magnetic. Magnets cannot be used in) cleaning up spent casings. The primary method of collection of casings is by hand. This is a common part of firing range maintenance. There are a few types of mechanical devices that allow the user to collect casings. This product is intended to utilize existing equipment to collect brass casings. The unique characteristic of this product is the automation. The collection mechanism trails behind a battery powered vehicle. The specific details of the vehicle may vary based on the type of terrain that exists at a specific firing range. The use of the vehicle would effectively be the same however details such as wheels and size of the vehicle frame may be required to, be modified for different surface traction requirements. The vehicle would run a program which would be customized to various types of terrain. Firing ranges are usually flat with either dirt or concrete surface. There might be small rocks on some dirt ranges which would be a third type. The size of the range would require one of two existing collection mechanism sizes. There is nothing unique about the program that guides the vehicle. The program is customized to the size of the range or may include an ultra sonic sensor. The ultra sonic sensor would detect a boundary to the side and react based on the program. The vehicle would turn around and tow the collection mechanism back across the firing range. Upon detecting the opposite border of the range the vehicle would turn around the opposite direction. The alternating of directions the vehicle takes generates a progression over an area where casings are to be collected. By making a left u-turn and then a right u-turn it would go back to front of a firing range area. This could be done from front to back as well. Casings of all sizes are collected in the same basket and would require further sorting. The sorting can be done on a table at a comfortable position or with other mechanical devices. The level of the basket needs to be monitored at this time. If the basket overfills the casings would still be collected however they would not stay in the basket. Battery size could also be modified to fit the requirements of a specific firing range.
 A program that searches an area controlling a vehicle which tows a spent ammunition casing collection mechanism is the original unique utility that I claim to be the first to create: To tow a collection roller over a specified area by autonomous vehicle has never been done before.   Furthermore this product could be applied to other applications, the collection of golf balls at a driving range. The existing golf ball collection uses a disc which holds the ball against an opposing disc and rotates the ball up and over, into a bucket in the front. Due to limitations of the battery and motors the trailer would be scaled down from the common one at the driving range. This would provide safer working conditions for those who used to drive the golf cart that everyone is aiming for while collecting balls.