Vehicle and method for detecting and neutralizing an incendiary object
11221196 ยท 2022-01-11
Assignee
Inventors
- Natesan Babu (Chennai, IN)
- Alexander Rajasekaran (Chennai, IN)
- Swarna Ramesh (Chennai, IN)
- Lakshmi Prathibha Perumal Thirunavukkarasu (Chennai, IN)
Cpc classification
F41H11/136
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F41H11/16
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
International classification
F41H11/16
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F41H11/134
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
Abstract
A vehicle for detecting and neutralizing an incendiary object comprises a detecting device configured to mount at fore-end of the vehicle is disclosed. The detecting device comprises: one or more platforms configured to be mounted at the fore end of the vehicle. The one or more platforms are located proximal to the ground surface such that they hover over the ground surface at a predetermined distance. A plurality of sensors wherein each of the plurality of sensors mounted on the at least one of the one or more platforms for capturing information related to the incendiary object. A neutralizing device interfaced with the detecting device, wherein the neutralizing device comprises: a neutralizing arm member which actuates in one or more directions for handling and neutralizing the incendiary object based on the information related to the incendiary object. An annihilator device equipped with the neutralizing device to annihilate the incendiary object.
Claims
1. A ground vehicle for detecting and neutralizing an incendiary object located beneath a ground surface, the vehicle comprising: a detecting device configured to mount at a fore-end (FE) of the vehicle, wherein the detecting device comprises: one or more platforms (P) configured to be mounted at the fore-end (FE) of the vehicle, wherein the one or more platforms (P) are located proximal to the ground surface; a plurality of sensors (X) comprising a ground penetrating radar (GPR) sensor, an obstacle detection sensor (ODS), an acoustic sensor (ATS), and a thermal infrared sensor (TI), the ground penetrating radar (GPR) sensor, the obstacle detection sensor (ODS), and the acoustic sensor (ATS) being mounted on the one or more platforms (P) for capturing information related to the incendiary object; and a neutralizing device interfaced with the detecting device, wherein the neutralizing device comprises: a neutralizing arm member configured to actuate in one or more directions for handling and neutralizing the incendiary object based on the information related to the incendiary object; and an annihilator device configured to annihilate the incendiary object, wherein the one or more platforms (P) comprise a first platform (P1) and a second platform (P2) which are configured with at least one first arm member and at least one second arm member, respectively, at least one of the ground penetrating radar (GPR) sensor, the obstacle detection sensor (ODS), or the acoustic sensor (ATS) being mounted on each of the first platform (P1) and the second platform (P2), wherein the at least one first arm member is configured to extend and retract the first platform (P1), and wherein the at least one second arm member is configured to extend and retract the second platform (P2); and at least one third arm member extending from a top portion (TP) of the vehicle and having a length that supports the thermal infrared sensor (TI) at a position above the at least one first arm member and the at least one second arm member so that the thermal infrared sensor (TI) can scan and detect the incendiary object before detection by the plurality of sensors (X) mounted on the first platform (P1) and the second platform (P2).
2. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one first arm member, the at least one second arm member, and the at least one third arm member are configured to have multiple degrees of freedom and a defined proximal range of motion.
3. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one first arm member and the at least one second arm member are configured with scanners at tip ends of the arm members which hover and adjust the gap between the scanners and the ground surface when the vehicle is moving.
4. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the neutralizing arm member is configured to have multiple degrees of freedom in one of X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis for gripping and neutralizing the incendiary object.
5. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ground penetrating radar (GPR) is mounted on a front portion of the first platform (P1) of the one or more platforms (P) such that the front portion of the first platform (P1) and the ground penetrating radar (GPR) are proximal to the ground surface.
6. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the obstacle detection sensor (ODS) and the acoustic sensor (ATS) are mounted on the second platform (P2) of the one or more platforms (P) such that the obstacle detection sensor (ODS) and the acoustic sensor (ATS) are proximal to the ground surface.
7. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a central processing unit (CPU) configured to receive data from the plurality of sensors (X).
8. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the annihilator device is an ammunition launcher.
9. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a marking tool located below the one or more platforms (P) and configured to mark the incendiary object after detection.
10. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one image capturing device mounted on the top portion (TP) of the vehicle for providing visual aid to the user.
11. The vehicle as claimed in claim 10, wherein the at least one image capturing device is a video camera.
12. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one multi-purpose tool kit mounted on either side of the fore-end (FE) of the vehicle for performing excavation operations such as digging, shifting, gripping, hoisting, and clearing the incendiary object.
13. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, is used in detecting and neutralizing the incendiary object.
14. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a magnetic signature duplicator positioned at the fore-end (FE) of the vehicle, wherein the magnetic signature duplicator is configured to generate a magnetic signature for diffusing or detonating the incendiary object buried beneath the ground surface.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
(1) The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
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(10) The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
(11) The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and make part of this disclosure.
(12) A vehicle for detecting and neutralizing an incendiary object located beneath a ground surface is disclosed. The vehicle comprises a detecting device configured to mount at fore-end of the vehicle, wherein the detecting device comprises: one or more platforms configured to be mounted at the fore end of the vehicle. The one or more platforms are located proximal to the ground surface such that they hover over the ground surface at a predetermined distance. A plurality of sensors wherein each of the plurality of sensors mounted on the at least one of the one or more platforms for capturing information related to the incendiary object. A neutralizing device interfaced with the detecting device, wherein the neutralizing device comprises: a neutralizing arm member which actuates in one or more directions for handling and neutralizing the incendiary object based on the information related to the incendiary object. An annihilator device equipped with the neutralizing device to annihilate the incendiary object.
(13) Referring now to the drawings wherein the drawings are for the purpose of illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure only, and not for the purpose of limiting the same.
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(15) The plurality of sensors (X) are provided on each of the at least one first platform (P1), the at least one second platform (P2) and the at least one third arm member (205). In an embodiment, the plurality of sensors (X) are at least one of ground penetrating radar (GPR) (209), vapour detection sensor (VDS) (210), obstacle detection sensor (ODS) (211), and thermal infrared sensor (TIS). In an embodiment, the ground penetrating radar (GPR) (209) and the vapour detection sensor (VDS) (210) arc provided on the at least one first platform (P1). The ground penetrating radar (GPR) (209) is provided on the front portion of the at least one first platform (P1). During operation, the at least one first arm member (203) extends and retracts the at least one first platform (P1) within the working area of the vehicle (100). The vapour detection sensor (VDS) (210) is provided at predetermined location on the at least one first platform (P1) for sensing and detecting the incendiary object (500) buried beneath the ground surface. In an embodiment, the obstacle detection sensor (ODS) (211) is provided on the at least one second platform (P2). During operation, the at least one second platform (P2) extends and retracts the at least one second platform (P2) within the working area of the vehicle (100). The obstacle detection sensor (ODS) (211) is provided at an exemplary location on the at least one second platform (P2) for sensing and detecting the incendiary object (500) buried beneath the ground surface. In an embodiment, the at least one first arm member (203) and the at least one second arm member (204) are configured to elevate up to a predetermined height once the incendiary object (500) has been detected. The at least one third arm member (205) is provided on top portion (TP) of the vehicle (100). The at least one third arm member (205) is provided such that, it towers over the one or more platforms (P). The thermal infrared sensor (TI) (212) is provided on the at least one third arm member (205) such that the thermal infrared sensor (TI) (212) is configured to scan the area in front of the vehicle (100) up to a predetermined distance.
(16) A neutralizing device (102) is provided at fore end (FE) of the vehicle (100) such that, the neutralizing device (102) is provided at the central portion (CP) of the fore end (FE) of the vehicle (100). The neutralization device (102) comprises a neutralizing arm member (200) which operates in one or more directions. The neutralizing arm member (200) functions within proximal working range of the vehicle (100) in order to handle and neutralize the incendiary object (500). In an embodiment, the neutralizing arm member (200) is configured to have multiple degrees of freedom in at least one of X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. In an embodiment, the neutralizing arm member (200) can configure itself to operate for handling an incendiary object (500) by pitching about an axis, by rolling about an axis and by yawing about an axis for neutralizing the incendiary object (500).
(17) An annihilator device (103) comprises an object launcher (215) and a laser beam clearance system (214) which is provided on top portion (TP) of the vehicle (100). The annihilator device (103) is controlled by the user so as to annihilate the incendiary object (500). In an embodiment, the annihilator device (103) is at least one of object launcher (215), laser beam clearance system (214), water jet spray (not shown in figure) or any other device which serves the purpose of annihilating the incendiary object (500). The side portions (SP) of the vehicle (100) are equipped with a multi-purpose tool kit (218). The multi-purpose tool kit (218) is provided on either of the side portions (SP) which is within the reach of the neutralizing arm member (200). During the operation of neutralizing the incendiary object (500), the neutralizing arm member (200) reaches out to the multi-purpose tool kit (218) for specific tools for specific operations. In an embodiment, the neutralizing arm member (200) performs operations such as digging, shifting, gripping, hoisting and clearing the incendiary object. In an embodiment, the neutralizing arm member (200) is provided with a gripper (219) for gripping and handling the incendiary object (500).
(18) A communication medium (216) is provided on top portion (TP) of the vehicle (100) for communicating with the user. The user remotely operates the vehicle (100) through a user interface for operating the vehicle (100). The signals are received wirelessly to a receiver provided within the vehicle (100) for operating the vehicle (100).
(19) In an embodiment, the communication medium (216) is at least one of an antenna, a transmitter tower or any other medium which serves the purpose of transmitting and receiving data.
(20) In an embodiment, the fore end (FE) of the vehicle (100) is provided with at least one image capturing device (217) which provides visual aid to the user. In an embodiment, the image capturing device (217) is at least one of infrared camera, night vision camera, heat sensing camera or any other camera which serves the purpose. In an embodiment, the image capturing device (217) is installed at specific locations to provide visual aid to the user in all angles.
(21) In an embodiment, the vehicle (100) guides itself using at least one of an acoustic sensor (not shown in figure) which aids in determining the travel path of the vehicle (100). The acoustic sensor (ATS) (213) along with the image capturing device (217) aids the user to guide the vehicle (100) in the right path.
(22) In an embodiment, the at least one second platform (P2) is provided with an obstacle detection sensor (ODS) (211) which aids in sensing obstacles within the path of the vehicle (100). In an embodiment, the obstacle detection sensor (ODS) (211) covers the entire dimension of the vehicle (100) avoiding any accidents or collisions with the surrounding obstacles.
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(25) The at least one second platform (P2) is held by the at least one second arm member (204). In an embodiment, the at least one second platform (P2) is held together by dual second arm member (204). The at least one second arm member (204) comprises of base turret (204a), back arm (204b) and a base link (204c). In an embodiment, the at least one second arm member (204) is configured to have multiple degrees of freedom which is at least one of prismatic-rotary-prismatic or any of these combinations. In an embodiment, the base turret (204a) has a prismatic or linear movement configuration, the back arm (204b) has a rotary movement configuration and the base link (204c) has a prismatic or linear movement configuration.
(26) The at least one third arm member (205) comprises a base turret (205a), a base link (205b), and a back arm (205c). In an embodiment, the at least one third arm member (205) is configured to have multiple degrees of freedom which is at least one of rotary-prismatic-rotary or any of these combinations. In an embodiment, the base turret (205a) has a rotary movement configuration, the base link (205b) has a prismatic or linear movement configuration and the back arm (205c) has a rotary movement configuration.
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(29) In an embodiment, the user remotely operates the vehicle (100) which includes maneuvering the vehicle (100), operating the neutralizing arm member (200), detecting the incendiary object (500), operation of the magnetic signature duplicator (220) for disarming the incendiary object (500) through a user interface (not shown in figs). In an embodiment, the user interface is at least one of joystick, keyboard, operating console or any other device which serves the purpose.
(30) In an embodiment, the magnetic signature duplicator (220) neutralizes the incendiary object (500) buried beneath the ground surface, such that a magnetic signature is generated to diffuse or detonate the incendiary object (500).
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ADVANTAGES
(32) In an embodiment, the detecting devices and the neutralizing devices are installed on the same vehicle leading to detection and neutralizing operations to be performed sequentially without using other vehicles.
(33) In an embodiment, the annihilator device is provided within the vehicle for annihilating the incendiary object.
(34) In an embodiment, the user operates the vehicle remotely and hence there is no risk involved in injury or loss of life.
(35) In an embodiment, the marking tool aids visually identify the danger zone of the incendiary object.
(36) In an embodiment, the obstacle detection sensor aids to protect the vehicle and sensors from dynamic obstacle in front of the vehicle.
(37) In an embodiment, the arms can be utilised for multipurpose tasks such as handling incendiary object for loading and unloading requirements.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
(38) In an embodiment, the vehicle is used in detecting and neutralizing the incendiary object.
(39) TABLE-US-00001 REFERRAL NUMERALS 100 Vehicle 101 Detecting device 102 Neutralizing device 103 Annihilator device P Platform P1 First platform P2 Second platform X Plurality of sensors FE Fore end TP Top portion SP Side portions CP Central portion 200 Neutralizing arm member 203 First arm member 203a Base turret 203b Back arm 203c Fore arm 203d Fore arm link 203e End effectors 204 Second arm member 204a Base turret 204b Back arm 204c Base link 205 Third arm member 205a Base turret 205b Base link 205c Back arm 206 Scanners 207 Central processing unit 208 Marking tool 209 Ground penetrating radar (GPR) 210 Vapour detection sensor (VDS) 211 Obstacle detection sensor (ODS) 212 Thermal infrared sensor (TI) 213 Acoustic sensor (ATS) 214 Laser beam clearance system 214a Rotary turret 214b Pivot means 215 Object launcher 215a Rotary turret 215b Pivot means 216 Communications medium 217 Image capturing device 218 Multi-purpose tool kit 219 Gripper 220 Magnetic signature duplicator 500 Incendiary object