Abstract:
A semi-continuous duty, Green Technology, self-charging  14 , unmanned electric vehicle providing protection and security from underground mines. A deflector blade  11  follows natural existing contours to maintain straight line paths, while simultaneously carrying a mine detector  10 , a vertical reciprocating ram set  30, 32  and  33  that preloads soil while also creating forward motion, followed by an energy dissipation and containment canopy system  22, 24, 26  &amp;  29 . The comprehensive system provides protection from mines on existing pathways in desert environments using a self-sufficient energy source. In addition, the total system utilizes only Green Technology for all modes of operation.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Prior Art 
     The following is a tabulation of some prior art that presently appears relevant: 
     U.S. Patents 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 U.S. Pat. No. 
                 Kind Code 
                 Issue Date 
                 Patentee 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 7,493,974 
                 B1 
                 Feb. 24, 2009 
                 Boncodin 
               
               
                 5,856,629 
                   
                 Jan. 5, 1999 
                 Grosch et al. 
               
               
                 6,343,534 
                 B1 
                 Feb. 5, 2002 
                 Khanna et al. 
               
               
                 2,005,392 
                   
                 Apr. 18,1933 
                 Remus 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     This invention relates to a solar charging, battery powered, unmanned mine defeat vehicle. Current situations in specific geographic regions of the world have created a new need for defeating underground mines in desert-like terrain. This vehicle is especially to be used on existing paths in sand environments worldwide to protect against death and dismemberment, a long-time priority issue and establishes an effective tool for safe passage and security monitoring and creating secure zones. Both the facts of presence of underground mines as well as the importance of deterrence and prevention of positioning new mines are widely available to individuals. The necessity for addressing the issue of travel protection by foot on paths consisting of bare ground is the focus of the new vehicle as presented. The invention has the advantage of operating with Green Technology only and in areas that do not have conventional AC (alternating current) for charging or common petroleum based fuel sources for conventional gas engines. 
     The unfilled need for defeating mines in environments such as opens fields, village passages and trails between villages has always needed a method of solution. As the use of mines was common for numerous years, millions of mines are located and placing an equivalent number of humans at risk. Many solar powered vehicles exist but do not comprehensively address mines. Many methods exist for the protection from mines for personnel vehicles. Recent studies have indicated that a new degree of effort must be made spent into the success of what is first step to defeat of mines, that of limiting the placement of them. Thus creating the benefit of secure areas. Proactive security and containment is simultaneously performed as the vehicle functions to prevent further placements of mines. 
     Several types of solar vehicles and minesweepers for detection and destruction of mines are known, each with a disadvantage. Many solar powered vehicles exist but do not comprehensively address mines. Many methods exist for the protection from mines for personnel vehicles and utilizing unmanned robots. The previous patent for a solar vehicle U.S. Pat. No. 7,493,974 to Boncodin is for human transportation. A minesweeping vehicle, U.S. Pat. No. 5,856,629 granted to Grosch et al. is for wide-open spaces. U.S. Pat. No. 6,343,534 to Khanna et al utilizes many latest methods for detection without a simultaneous in place trigger and containment system or marking process. The previous U.S. Pat. No. 2,005,392 to Remus addresses the use of a deflector with the disadvantage of flat surface use only. 
     This equipment clears a minimum, substantial 32 inch wide path, for personnel in single file traversing pathways with detection, verification, sensors, surveillance, disarming, detonation, containment and path marking all in one process. This method of defeating a mine keeps people and personnel at a distance from the hazard with prevention, simultaneously. Pressure wave, fire and fragmentation from all mines occur within milliseconds of triggering the device and it is necessary to defeat this type of device from placement to containment, specifically anti-personnel type mines. The one vehicle makes available the necessary functions of soft protection methods and direct mechanized means. This addresses the two-part problem of mines, protection from initial placement while also providing safe detection, removal and containment, a combined comprehensive approach to defeating mines. 
     SUMMARY 
     It is the objective of the present invention to create a new use for a solar powered vehicle to provide a improved combined compact mine detector, monitor and sweeper and containment apparatus in the most austere environments to run without conventional fuel driven power using only Green Technology. The vehicle is a battery based DC (direct current) motor drive recharged with a solar module attached onto the forward sloping frame. It does not require daily fueling. Introducing equipment that is designed to be small in size and intended to be durable and cost sacrificial utilizing mechanical and detection means having the advantage of self-contained capabilities. The goals and approach are solely based on control of spaces at risk to mine placement and provide a cost-effective, high performance solution with known survivability limitations and budget-sacrificial equipment loss and only life saving and casualties reduction made as a variables of measured value. 
     Operation speed and maneuvering including tight turning is afforded by the fact of equal wheel base to track width yielding nearly a zero turning radius. Any of the customary control methods are possible, including remote or wired joystick as leader-follower arrangement, satellite, or run automatically on memory-learned pathways for routine path mine checking. 
     Common current field practice operating unmanned vehicle involves avoiding and maneuvering around debris and small stones and rocks, which lay in a straight-line path between two points of the objective route. In order to remedy this in an efficient condition of operation, an alternative method is made available as an option to drive in more direct pathways. A preferred method of ground preparation is to produce a near free of debris surface as possible. As an advantage, a debris deflector that has multiple panel segments, which naturally track downward onto the existing path cross-section, carries out ground preparation. The self-leveling debris deflector is counterweighted for a net self-weight of approximately a 3-pound net downward force per segment. The assembly remotely retracts for transportation to site. The assembly remotely retracts for protection during deactivation attempts or detonation. 
     Remote retractable robotic arm is deployed from recessed chamber to execute disarming when desired. Optional sensors read incoming path profile and controls deflector and probe assembly. The feedback loop created maintains a telemetry system for all ground sensors. Procedure also may include sidestepping mine and installing a flag for the affected area. 
     For normal conditions, the vehicle travels and a simultaneous area proofing and containment countermeasure system operates, a new countermeasure for field use. A specifically arranged configuration and assembly for replicating foot motion and pressure with a compound articulating mechanism is employed. A controlled pressure (0 to 30 psi) vertical reciprocating system for mine activation is utilized for positive soil contact and pressure to be delivered across the width of the vehicles pathway. A curtain billows, plate and canopy system for detonation dampening for expansion is utilized. A secondary fast response counter deployment system for canopy ejection is also presented. 
     The placement prevention of mines is simultaneously done in a passive format through constant motion and personnel verification using a 360-degree turret to create safe-zones, which is a primary focus for all countries. In each typical village, small areas shall benefit, primarily villages and village connecting trails. Rotation of the camera of 45 degrees to left and right provides 360 degree of coverage with the turret operational. The majority of mines are delivered and set in place by individuals or groups who reside outside the community or village at risk. As an advantage in the self-contained and efficient capabilities, the vehicle is able to continuously perform motion detection and identification checking, through this simple but new effective data gathering technique. 
     At the rear of the containment plate are mounted three trailing hooks left, center and right. 
     A path marking system for centerline and low spot paint applicator is the last apparatus mounted. 
     As an improvement accessory, where the surrounding terrain requires a better traction, the vehicle has the ability of use of additional flexible tracks to be field installed. 
     Adjustment for width of path utilizing all or any these devices is possible for wider or narrower path requirements. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       Figures 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective schematic view of a solar powered minesweeping vehicle according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an interior schematic section showing the chassis-body-drive arrangement. 
         FIG. 3  is a side elevation schematic view depicting the configuration of the mine countermeasure system. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective schematic view of a powder actuated warning flag. 
     
    
    
     DRAWINGS 
     Reference Numerals 
     
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 1 
                 turret 
               
               
                 2 
                 canopy 
               
               
                 3 
                 camera 
               
               
                 4 
                 slide black Box 
               
               
                 5 
                 rear Blast plate 
               
               
                 6 
                 flag deployment system 
               
               
                 7 
                 vertical reciprocating system 
               
               
                 8 
                 concealed robotic arm system 
               
               
                 9 
                 self leveling system 
               
               
                 10 
                 detector 
               
               
                 11 
                 deflector 
               
               
                 12 
                 2 nd  Camera 
               
               
                 13 
                 glass 
               
               
                 14 
                 solar Module 
               
               
                 15 
                 photo voltaic cells 
               
               
                 16 
                 wheels 
               
               
                 17 
                 chassis-body 
               
               
                 18 
                 DC motors 
               
               
                 19 
                 batteries 
               
               
                 20 
                 turret 
               
               
                 21 
                 chassis-body 
               
               
                 22 
                 gas system 
               
               
                 23 
                 gas tanks 
               
               
                 24 
                 canopy 
               
               
                 25 
                 curtain billows 
               
               
                 26 
                 rear blast plate 
               
               
                 27 
                 mounting rod 
               
               
                 28 
                 spline control bracket 
               
               
                 29 
                 strut-cartridge 
               
               
                 30 
                 strut-cartridge 
               
               
                 31 
                 apron 
               
               
                 32 
                 vertical reciprocating power-head 
               
               
                 33 
                 axial actuator 
               
               
                 34 
                 wheel 
               
               
                 35 
                 remote deployable flag 
               
               
                 36 
                 open edge 
               
               
                 37 
                 trigger 
               
               
                 38 
                 anchor base 
               
               
                 39 
                 powder actuated anchor 
               
               
                 40 
                 open edge 
               
               
                 41 
                 optional additional anchor base 
               
               
                 42 
                 spring to rod connections 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , is a new use non-conventional sized battery powered, solar charged, unmanned vehicle that is sized so as to create a clearing path for people travelling on foot. The first apparatus  11  is the self-leveling debris deflector. The primary chassis contains a solar panel  14  with a high resistant and magnification surface  13 . From  FIG. 2 , a vertical interior section view looking down with the four drive wheels  16  can be found. Inside the chassis  17  are normal DC drive motors  18 , current controller means and the battery set  19 . The top of the chassis provides space for an optional bio-fuel power-plant that is not necessary but would provide added daily service hours that may be of advantage. In front of the chassis is an optical camera  12  for close in monitoring of operation of robotic arm that is stored in a recessed chamber  8  and for warning flag positioning. Above the chassis is a structural frame, which acts to support the photovoltaic cell module  14 . This panel is secured to the frame with isolation attachments should an event causing toppling occur. The panel surface is damage resistant. 
     The supporting frame is also a shock cage, which has internally telescoping cylinders for force dampening. Above the shock cage is the turret  1  which is able to swivel horizontally 355 degrees. The turret  1  contains two optical cameras  3 , one forward that creates 3D vision when synchronized with the lower chassis camera  12  and one to the rear for real time monitoring and motion detection and verification. Motion to identity security containment and control is accomplished. This significantly protects those registered in the safe zones and residing in the secured areas with personnel and civilians using IC Card verification. A simultaneous process of motion detection with verification of safe zone identification signals is read by computer hardware in the black box  4 . Establishing this security process in any area of mine placement activity defends against further mines from being placed. The onboard capacity contains the logistics that would assemble information into a centralized database for use with and for field personnel to access this remote mobile vehicle. Information integration and analysis becomes real time. Verifying ID, document check, and controlling a single identification is extremely crucial as the ease of multiple identities is wide spread. Selective biometric applications involving identification cards containing radio frequency capacity technology for control movement in secured zones. Modernization programs rely on individual identification cards being required to carry. The following soft approach abilities for data gathering are presented for use in an efficient integrated fashion at low cost. Each optical camera is included in a self-contained blast resistant removable black-box  4 , one on each side of the turret, which contain operational control and communications integrated circuits and hardware. The turret is also supported from the rear by the back wall, hinged at the top, for additional dampening benefit. 
     The self-leveling and retractable debris deflector  11  is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Each panel section is slightly angled from the vertical and from the path centerline forward, so as to give a rolling momentum impact force out and away from the path of vehicle. Each panel segment is connected by a simple hinge-pin mounted at mid-panel height. The panels are overlapped so as to create uniform coverage while sloping up or down on the path&#39;s surface. From the existing ground surface, tines are placed which act to catch and clear individual stones larger than ¾ inch round in size. The deflector panel assembly is fitted with guide rollers, which produce very little downward force when not mechanically controlled with a height sensor controlled system. The assembly is supported by two side arms that act to maintain a controlled forward projected distance from the chassis and allow for upward rotation retractability when not in use. The total assembly creates a self-leveling effect. Immediately behind deflector panel assembly is mounting table and detection device  9 . 
     The primary countermeasure system is illustrated in  FIG. 1  and is a new assembly or unique apparatus for simultaneous triggering and containment of mines. The three features are shown at the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle may work in reverse direction where hazards are extremely high to maximize containment advantages. At the rear of the vehicle a vertical reciprocating system is shown  7 , followed by a containment plate  5  and covered by a canopy deployment system  2 . 
     From  FIG. 3 , the rear of the vehicle can be seen. At the ground surface, each reciprocating foot  32  assembly has a determined width, which applies the appropriate pressure based upon the range of in-situ soil shear strength present where mine detection is to take place. The advantageous feature being created is that the reciprocating system assembly self-propels itself in two distinct ways. First, the individual line of action is inclined a few degrees from vertical, as a foot does. Secondly, the lower control arm has an axial actuator, which has a controlled advance throughout the timed cycle of operation. Each foot has a power head that provides a means of rotation and a controlled variable positive soil displacement, which acts to alter soil at or below surface and accomplish the mine trigger objective by simulating foot pressure and motion. 
     The modular, preloaded feet with reciprocating probes are signaled to cycle in a timed fashion for maximizing the net downward force. Downward force for each assembly is provided by a preloaded pressurized strut  30 , supported by a vertical spline control bracket  28 , which limits horizontal range. The configuration of this apparatus is designed to remain in a horizontal orientation for existing ground undulations of plus or minus three inches and maintain continual ground contact. 
     Behind the vehicle chassis  21  is a containment blast plate  26 , positioned upon status change to encompass the projected inverted conical zone of pressure, fire and fragmentation. Connecting the chassis to the blast plate is one variant of gas-fluid cartridges  29  with stepped release (0-200-800 lbs), which are body to plate connected, used as a dampening struts. The entire assembly is raised and lowered when not in use. 
     The billows  25  and curtain  25  are attached and assembled in accordion like manner on and along the sides of the containment space. The canopy  24  is attached in a folded parachute manner. Both are of a blast resistant material such as carbon fiber or better. As the mine is triggered, the blast plate and vehicle are lifted and sent in different directions. The blast travel distance is slightly less in distance to the blast plate  26 . Therefore, initially causes a reverse direction of the total assembly. Through this action and the gas-fluid cartridges  29 , energy is dissipated with a reaction being centrally resisted by the mass and size of the reciprocating system. 
     As those reciprocating system parts that are in ground contact and above are broken away as a reaction to the mine detonation, a feedback loop is broken and a fail safe signal located along the feet is tripped on, when the connection is broken. The connecting arms are limit rated and are subject to the first and highest levels of stress. Upon the signal being sent to the optional gas ejection system  22 , a propelled inert gas and fire suppression  23  system is activated for canopy deployment in an upward and reverse impulse direction. The canopy chute  24  path and speed is maximized upward for containment and canopy deployment from the top of assembly. A conventional set of three trailing hooks, left, center and right edges of the rear containment plate of the vehicle are employed to activate underground trigger mechanisms for offset hazards of aboveground, concealed mines. 
     A centerline path marking system mounted at the rear containment plate is provided whereby a path centerline is prepared with wheel brush and air system and marking with specialized material/paint at coded spaced intervals. The system also automatically paints low spots and where not proofed, unchecked or skipped locations. 
       FIG. 1  shows the warning flag tube  6  mounted on the top of the vehicles chassis.  FIG. 4  illustrates the detail for the self-contained, remote deployed warning flag system. The vehicle carries a remote deployed powder actuated anchored unfolding warning flag  4  in the top or on the side of the lower chassis body. At this location or mounted onto the side of the chassis a single to several warning flags tubes can be stored. This self-contained function allows the administration of possible deactivation or detonation to be controlled in a more efficient manner in addition to keeping personnel involvement to a minimum for marking the hazard by remotely placing near to located hazards. 
     The individual flag  35  becomes upright when removed from tube and expand automatically with the individual sides being of flexible spring-to-rod  42  connections. Upon locating the anchor base  38  to its desired location by the operator, the base is positioned and trigger  37  discharged by the use of the robotic arm, securing it into the ground by the powder actuated anchor  39  making the flag spiked into the ground. An additional automatic trigger for discharge may be used at the far base location  41 . To aid in the ability to weather wind conditions, the top and base are vented  36  &amp;  40  open to reduce blow over affect. 
     The devices described herein, individually or in combination may be advantageously be fixed as attachments for or onto other vehicles to achieve desired results which are needed.