An instrument and method for grading the yield strength of woody plant branches

Abstract

A grading instrument and method for yield strength of woody plant branches, belonging to the forestry field, is disclosed. The instrument includes a semi-circular platform with a rotating shaft at its center. A torque sensor connected to a drive mechanism is mounted on the rotating shaft. Grading scales for yield strength of woody plant branches are arranged around the platform. A circumferential actuation mechanism is arranged on the platform in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the rotating shaft. An X-ray camera is mounted on the platform, and a display screen is located on the side of the platform. X-axis and Y-axis position adjustment mechanisms are connected to the rotating rod and the fixed rod, respectively. By using the grading instrument to classify the yield strength of various plant branches and determine the grading method, this provides a more effective application standard and testing instrument for applications in weaving techniques, landscaping, and bonsai design, as well as for predicting wind breakage risk.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a yield strength grading instrument and its grading method, and particularly to a yield strength grading instrument and its grading method for woody plant branches, belonging to the field of forestry. Background Technology

[0002] In botany and dendrology, the stiffness or suppleness of woody plant branches is often described using vague terms such as "strong uprightness," "relatively stiff," or "soft," lacking a quantitative standard or a precise term to describe the yield strength of a particular woody plant species. This presents significant challenges when using precise yield strength in applications such as branch weaving, plant shaping, pruning, and wind breakage risk assessment for landscaping plants. Especially during branch growth and development, a precise description of yield strength would provide a predictive advantage in practical applications.

[0003] The application of the hardness or softness of woody plant branches includes the following aspects:

[0004] 1. Weaving Techniques: This mainly includes practical weaving and artistic weaving. The raw materials for weaving require high standards for the yield strength, smoothness, evenness, and color of the branches. Yield strength, in particular, is crucial for the branches' plasticity. As a traditional craft, the selection of branches relies heavily on experience. For large-scale operations, it would be essential to measure and grade the yield strength of the branches.

[0005] 2. Landscape Shaping: Landscape plant shaping utilizes cultivation management, pruning, trellis training, and mold design to create beautiful artistic images. Whether it's the naturalistic Chinese style, the regular geometric French style, or large-scale combined styles for festivals, all possess high ornamental value. Accurate grading of branch yield strength allows for the selection of different cultivation management methods, determination of appropriate shaping periods, and selection of suitable shaping techniques based on the branch yield strength of different tree species. Dynamic adjustments can be made based on branch growth, and this also enables the classification and implementation of shaping plans for a wider range of woody plants, allowing for more extensive application of this technology.

[0006] 3. Bonsai Styling: Bonsai is a comprehensive art form. Bonsai has a long history of cultivation in my country, emphasizing the artistic effect of achieving grandeur in a small space. Today, bonsai has entered countless households. Traditionally, bonsai styling relied mainly on the experience and feel of the maker. Accurately measuring the yield strength of branches and trunks would reduce trial-and-error costs for both teaching and styling, and provide guidance during the styling process.

[0007] 4. Wind Breakage Risk Assessment: Wind-broken trees pose a significant threat to people's lives and property, especially with the increasing prevalence of extreme weather events. Urban landscaping plants, while providing shade, reducing noise, lowering wind speed, and beautifying the environment, are also susceptible to branch breakage in strong winds. Effectively addressing wind breakage is an urgent issue, and the yield strength of woody plant branches is a crucial factor. If the yield strength of branches can determine the hardness and flexibility of the trunk, it's possible to assess the wind breakage risk of a particular tree species based on wind conditions. This allows for proactive prevention and the selection of wind-resistant woody plants during planning, taking into account the wind force and direction characteristics of the area, thus avoiding the risk of wind breakage.

[0008] Given the above, it is essential to classify and characterize the hardness or softness of woody plant branches. This would allow for the selection of different grades of branches or trees based on their yield strength in branch weaving, landscaping, bonsai design, and wind damage assessment. Furthermore, the yield strength can be used to determine the shape and form of the branches, and wind damage can be predicted based on wind force and tree species' yield strength. Therefore, classifying and characterizing the hardness or softness of woody plant branches is crucial. How to classify them and how to test their yield strength are major challenges facing the forestry sector. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Given the current lack of standards for judging the hardness or softness of woody plant branches, and the absence of grading instruments, this invention provides a grading instrument and method for the yield strength of woody plant branches. The aim is to standardize the judgment criteria for the bending softness of woody plant branches in this field, provide a grading instrument for determining the yield strength of woody plant branches, and offer more effective application standards and testing instruments for the prediction of wind breakage risks in applications such as weaving, landscaping, and bonsai design.

[0010] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows: a woody plant branch yield strength grading instrument, including a drive motor, the woody plant branch yield strength grading instrument is set in a sealed instrument room with an external operating room, and a glass partition is set between the instrument room and the operating room. The instrument includes a platform, which is a semi-circular structure, with a rotating shaft set vertically at its center. A drive mechanism is connected to the rotating shaft, and a torque sensor is set on the rotating shaft. Woody plant branch yield strength grading scales are set around the platform. A circumferential actuation mechanism is set on the platform in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the rotating shaft. A branch locking mechanism is set on the circumferential actuation mechanism. An X-ray camera is set near the center of the semi-circular structure platform. The instrument is equipped with an operable display screen. The circumferential actuation mechanism includes a rotating rod and a fixed rod. X-axis and Y-axis position adjustment mechanisms are respectively connected to the rotating rod and the fixed rod. The drive mechanism, torque sensor, display screen and X-ray camera are all connected to a controller.

[0011] Furthermore, the operable display screen includes a touch screen on the instrument side, a display in the operating room, and a mouse. Parameter settings, data display, graphics, and photo display can be performed through the display screen and mouse. The display next to the instrument is a touch screen, which is rotated and positioned next to the platform.

[0012] Furthermore, a hand controller is connected to the controller, which includes start, stop, pause, and branch thickness setting knobs. The branch thickness setting knobs have three levels, and the rotation speed and torque of the motor change accordingly with different levels. The settings in the hand controller are the same as those displayed on the screen.

[0013] Furthermore, the driving mechanism includes a drive motor, which is a servo motor;

[0014] Furthermore, the rotating rod of the actuating mechanism is connected to the rotating shaft lever via an X and Y axis position adjustment mechanism. The X and Y axis position adjustment mechanism is a cross-shaped slide. The rotating shaft lever is parallel to the rotating rod and located above the diameter of the semi-circular structure. One end of the lever is fixed above the rotating shaft. The rotating rod is fixed to the end of the cross-shaped slide facing the semi-circular structure in the Y-axis direction. The rotating rod is located in front of the semi-circular platform of the rotating shaft lever. The rotating shaft and the rotating shaft lever are connected by a horizontal connecting plate. The fixed rod is arranged in a straight line with the rotating rod. The X-direction slide of the cross-shaped slide on the fixed rod side is fixed to the front side of the platform, and the Y-direction slide is higher than the platform. The fixed rod is lowered from above the cross-shaped slide to the platform through the angled connecting plate. The fixed rod is fixed on the side of the angled connecting plate facing the semi-circular structure. The force center fulcrum of the branch on the outer periphery of the rotating shaft is a rotating part with an outer arc. There is a gap between the ends of the rotating rod and the fixed rod. The distances from the opposite ends of the rotating rod and the fixed rod to the rotating shaft are equal. The distances from the rotating rod and the fixed rod to the rotating shaft are adjustable and are 1.5 times the diameter of the branch. The rotating rod and the fixed rod are respectively provided with arc parts on the side facing the semi-circular structure. The detection branch is provided between the arc parts and the rotating shaft.

[0015] Furthermore, the cross-shaped slide connected to the rotating rod and the fixed rod are both equipped with locking mechanisms in the X and Y axis directions;

[0016] Furthermore, the rotating rod and the fixed rod are provided with tree branch locking arc-shaped parts facing the platform, and tree branches are provided between the tree branch locking arc-shaped parts and the central fulcrum. The rotating rod and the fixed rod are provided with bent arc-shaped parts at their opposite ends.

[0017] A method for testing the yield strength of woody plant branches using an instrument: The operation method using the aforementioned instrument for grading the yield strength of woody plant branches is as follows:

[0018] 1) Use vernier calipers to determine the thickness of the branches of the woody plant being tested;

[0019] (1) Detect the diameter of the branch;

[0020] (2) When testing the thickness of branches, the test should be performed on the smooth part at the base of the branch;

[0021] 2) Place one side of the branch to be tested close to the center fulcrum of the branch's force. Adjust the distance in the X direction between the opposite ends of the fixed rod and the rotating rod according to the thickness of the branch. Lock the X-direction slide. Move the Y-axis slide towards the branch so that the branch locking arc-shaped part is close to the branch. Lock the Y-axis sliding seat.

[0022] 3) Set the branch level on the hand controller or touch screen;

[0023] 4) Press the start button on the hand controller or touch screen. The motor will start rotating, and the display screen will automatically switch to the detection screen.

[0024] 5) The torque sensor and X-ray camera monitor the detection status simultaneously. During uniform rotation, the torque sensor will detect the instantaneous changes in the branches.

[0025] 6) Once the force or speed changes instantaneously, the torque sensor will send a signal to stop the drive motor from rotating and the rotating rod from rotating. At the same time, the X-ray camera will brake and take multiple pictures, and the screen will display the image with the greatest change in the wood.

[0026] 7) The position where the rotating rod stops is the yield strength grade of the branch;

[0027] 8) Manually switch to the X-ray camera to take pictures and confirm the fracture status of the wood at this time.

[0028] A method for grading the yield strength of woody plant branches, characterized in that: the yield strength is divided into 12 grades, with different diameter ranges classified into different types, as detailed below:

[0029] For branches that are completely inflexible, the yield strength is defined as level 12; for branches that are completely bendable without damage to the xylem, the yield strength is defined as level 1, for a total of 12 levels. Branches of different diameters are also classified into three categories based on their diameter thickness.

[0030] The specific method for classifying the 12 levels is as follows:

[0031] The grading of the yield strength of woody plant branches involves bending the branches to the point where the xylem is damaged, and classifying them according to the degree to which the branches can be bent. During bending, the center of the branch is used as the fulcrum, and forces of 5 kg, 10 kg, and 15 kg are applied according to Type I, Type II, and Type III, respectively, at a linear speed of 1 m / min. Bending is stopped when the xylem is damaged. In the testing instrument, the bending angle of the damaged xylem is the yield strength grade of the woody plant branch tested.

[0032] The yield strength grade of the branch is determined by the bending angle during bending, as detailed below:

[0033] ;

[0034] Furthermore, the specific details of the three types of tree branch division are as follows:

[0035] Since the yield strength of branches of the same woody plant varies with different diameters, and the yield strength of different woody plants also varies, the tree diameter at different diameters is used as a grade for evaluation when determining the yield strength of branches.

[0036] When measuring yield strength, it is necessary to test according to the thickness of the branches. Based on the different diameters of tree branches, they are divided into three types: Class I, Class II, and Class III. Class I is for branches with a diameter of less than or equal to 1 cm; Class II is for branches with a diameter of more than 1 cm but less than 3 cm; and Class III is for branches with a diameter of more than or equal to 3 cm.

[0037] The positive effects of this invention are as follows: By setting a torque sensor on the instrument's rotating shaft, the speed change during branch bending can be accurately detected. During bending, the speed change occurs due to the fracture of the xylem. Once a speed change occurs, the torque sensor will feed back to the controller, which will then stop the motor and lock the angle of the branch's maximum bending flexibility, thus determining the branch's yield strength. Simultaneously, an X-ray camera can capture the xylem fracture condition. By setting the rotating rod and the fixed rod respectively on a sliding seat in the X-axis direction and a cross slide in the Y-axis direction, the cross slide can be adjusted according to the thickness of the branch. Adjusting the distance between the opposite ends of the X-axis rotating rod and the fixed rod and the rotating shaft allows for simultaneous force application on both sides of the shaft, enabling branch bending detection. Sliding along the Y-axis can be adjusted according to the branch's thickness. The branch is clamped by moving it to one side, and the position can be locked using a corresponding locking mechanism after adjustment. Equipped with a display screen, operations and settings can be performed not only at the instrument but also in the control room. The inclusion of a hand controller further simplifies operation; by setting the category, the detection speed and torque can be determined, increasing detection speed.

[0038] By utilizing a yield strength grading instrument for woody plant branches, the yield strength of woody plant branches can be tested and stored as data. This data serves as an important reference in branch weaving, landscaping, bonsai styling, and wind breakage assessment. The use of this instrument plays a crucial role in future research on the yield strength of woody plant branches. By classifying the bending flexibility of woody plant branches according to their yield strength, the instrument allows for the selection of branches from specific trees based on pre-conducted testing, according to yield strength requirements in branch weaving, landscaping, and bonsai styling. Even for different parts of the same craft, branches with different yield strengths can be selected for weaving based on their curvature and stress levels. In landscape design, the timing and type of design can be determined based on the test data. Not only can different branches be selected according to their yield strength within the same woven design, but different designs can also be woven using the same type of branches based on their stress conditions and test data. In wind breakage assessment, the types of trees easily broken by the wind can be determined based on the local wind force, the suitable planting locations for each tree type, and the locations of branches easily broken by the wind. This targeted approach allows for proactive wind disaster prevention. This invention unifies the standards for judging the bending softness of woody plant branches within this unit and even in this field, and provides a grading instrument for determining the yield strength of woody plant branches. It provides a more effective application standard and testing instrument for the prediction of wind breakage risks in weaving techniques, landscape design, and bonsai design. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the front structure of a grading instrument for yield strength of woody plant branches.

[0040] Figure 2 A top view of the instrument for grading the yield strength of woody plant branches.

[0041] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the sliding table on the side of the rotating rod along its length.

[0042] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the cross slide table on the side of the fixed rod along the length of the fixed rod.

[0043] Figure 5 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the support point of the branch set on the outer periphery of the rotating shaft.

[0044] Label Explanation: 10-Platform, 11-Torque Sensor, 12-Servo Motor, 13-Rotating Rod, 13a-Rotating Rod Arc Part, 14-Rotating Shaft Lever, 15-Fixed Rod, 15a-Fixed Rod Arc Part, 16-Display Screen, 17-X-ray Camera, 18-Rotating Rod Side Slide, 19-Fixed Rod Side Slide, 20-Controller, 21-Rotating Cylinder, 22-Rotating Rod, 23-Bracket, 24-Rotating Shaft, 25-Instrument Chamber, 26-Branch Force Center Support, 27-Horizontal Connecting Plate, 28-Angle Connecting Plate, 29a-End Arc 1, 29a-End Arc 2, 30-Rotating Rod Side X-Axis Direction Slide, 30a-Rotating Rod Side X-Axis Direction Locking Mechanism, 30b-X-Axis Direction Manual Adjustment Knob, 31- 31a - Rotary rod side Y-axis direction slide, 31b - Rotary rod side Y-axis direction manual adjustment knob, 31c - Rotary rod side Y-axis direction adjustment screw, 32 - Fixed rod side Y-axis direction slide, 32a - Fixed rod side Y-axis direction locking mechanism, 32b - Fixed rod side Y-axis direction manual adjustment knob, 32c - Fixed rod side Y-axis direction adjustment screw, 33 - Fixed rod side X-axis direction slide, 33a - Fixed rod side X-axis direction locking mechanism, 33b - Fixed rod side X-axis direction manual adjustment knob, 34 - Ball bearing. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] The technical solution of this invention is a grading instrument for the yield strength of woody plant branches. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the front structure of a grading instrument for the yield strength of woody plant branches. Figure 2 This is a top view schematic diagram of a woody plant branch yield strength grading instrument. The instrument includes a drive motor and is housed in a sealed instrument chamber 25, with an external operating room. A glass partition separates the instrument chamber 25 from the operating room. The instrument includes a platform 10, which is semi-circular in structure. A rotating shaft 24 is vertically positioned at the center of the platform 10, and a drive mechanism is connected to the shaft 24. A torque sensor 11 is mounted on the shaft 24. Yield strength of woody plant branches is measured around the perimeter of the platform 10. The platform 10 is graded and indexed. A circumferential actuation mechanism is set on the horizontal direction perpendicular to the rotating shaft 24. A branch locking mechanism is set on the circumferential actuation mechanism. An X-ray camera 17 is set near the center of the semi-circular structure platform 10. The instrument is equipped with an operable display screen 16. The circumferential actuation mechanism includes a rotating rod 13 and a fixed rod 15. The rotating rod 13 and the fixed rod 15 are respectively connected to the X and Y axis position adjustment mechanisms. The drive mechanism, torque sensor 11, display screen 16 and X-ray camera 17 are all connected to the controller 20.

[0047] The rotating rod 13 has a rotating rod arc-shaped part 13a on the side facing the semi-circular structure; the fixed rod 15 has a fixed rod arc-shaped part 15a on the side facing the semi-circular structure.

[0048] The operable display screen 16 includes a touch screen on the instrument side, a display in the operating room, and a mouse. Parameter settings, data display, graphics, and photo display can be performed through the display screen 16 and the mouse. The display next to the instrument is a touch screen, which is rotatably mounted next to the platform 10. A rotating rod 22 is installed on one side of the display screen in the instrument room 25. The rotating rod 22 is inserted into the rotating cylinder 21, and the rotating cylinder 21 is fixed on the bracket 23 on one side of the platform.

[0049] The controller 20 is connected to a hand controller, which includes start, stop, pause, and branch thickness setting knobs. The branch thickness setting knobs have three levels, and the rotation speed and torque of the motor change accordingly with different levels. The settings in the hand controller are the same as those displayed on the display screen 16.

[0050] The drive mechanism includes a drive motor, which is a servo motor 12.

[0051] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the sliding table on the side of the rotating rod along its length. Figure 4A schematic diagram of the structure of the cross slide table on the fixed rod side along the length of the fixed rod is shown. The rotating rod 13 of the actuating mechanism is connected to the rotating shaft lever 14 through the X and Y axis position adjustment mechanism. The X and Y axis position adjustment mechanism is a cross slide table. A rotating rod side slide table 18 is provided on one side of the rotating rod 13, and a fixed rod side slide table 19 is provided on the other side of the fixed rod 15. The rotating shaft lever 14 is parallel to the rotating rod 13 and located above the diameter of the semi-circular structure. One end of the lever is fixed above the rotating shaft 24. The rotating rod 13 is fixed at the end of the cross slide table facing the semi-circular structure in the Y-axis direction. The rotating rod 13 is located in front of the semi-circular structural platform 10 of the rotating shaft lever 14. The rotating shaft 24 and the rotating shaft lever 14 are connected by a horizontal connecting plate 27. The fixed rod 15 is arranged in a straight line with the rotating rod 13. The X-direction slide of the cross-shaped slide on the side of the fixed rod 15 is fixed to the front side of the platform 10, and the Y-direction slide is higher than the platform 10. The fixed rod 15 is lowered from above the cross-shaped slide to the platform 10 through the angled connecting plate 28. The fixed rod 15 is fixed on the side of the angled connecting plate 28 facing the semi-circular structure. The branch force center fulcrum 26 on the outer periphery of the rotating shaft 24 is a rotating part with an outer arc. There is a gap between the ends of the rotating rod 13 and the fixed rod 15. The opposite ends of the rotating rod 13 and the fixed rod 15 are respectively provided with end arc 1 29a and end arc 2 29b. The distance between the opposite ends of the rotating rod 13 and the fixed rod 15 and the rotating shaft 24 is equal. The distance between the rotating rod 13 and the fixed rod 15 and the rotating shaft 24 is adjustable and is 1.5 times the diameter of the branch. The rotating rod 13 and the fixed rod 15 are respectively provided with arc parts on the side facing the semi-circular structure. The detection branch is provided between the arc parts and the rotating shaft 24.

[0052] The cross-shaped slides connected to the rotating rod 13 and the fixed rod 15 are each equipped with locking mechanisms in the X and Y axis directions.

[0053] Reference Figure 3 The rotating rod side slide 18 includes a rotating rod side X-axis direction slide 30 and a rotating rod side Y-axis direction slide 31. The rotating rod side X-axis direction slide 30 includes a sliding block and two side guide rails, and a lead screw is provided in the middle. In addition, it also includes a rotating rod side X-axis direction locking mechanism 30a and an X-axis direction manual adjustment knob 30b. Similarly, the rotating rod side Y-axis direction slide 31 includes a sliding block and two side guide rails, and a rotating rod side Y-axis direction adjustment lead screw 31c is provided in the middle. In addition, it also includes a rotating rod side Y-axis direction locking mechanism 31a and a rotating rod side Y-axis direction manual adjustment knob 31b.

[0054] Reference Figure 4The fixed rod side slide 19 includes a fixed rod side X-axis direction slide 33 and a fixed rod side Y-axis direction slide 32. The fixed rod side Y-axis direction slide 32 includes a sliding block and two side guide rails, and a fixed rod side Y-axis direction adjusting screw 32c is provided in the middle. In addition, it also includes a fixed rod side Y-axis direction locking mechanism 32a and a fixed rod side Y-axis direction manual adjustment knob 32b. The fixed rod side X-axis direction slide 33 includes a sliding block and two side guide rails, and a fixed rod side X-axis direction adjusting screw is provided in the middle. In addition, it also includes a fixed rod side X-axis direction locking mechanism 33a and a fixed rod side X-axis direction manual adjustment knob 33b.

[0055] Figure 5 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional schematic diagram of the branch force-bearing center fulcrum 26 set on the outer periphery of the rotating shaft 24. The branch force-bearing center fulcrum 26 is a circular rotating component, which is similar to a bearing and includes an inner ring, an outer ring, and a middle ball bearing 34. The difference is that the outer ring also has an arc matching the outer periphery of the branch.

[0056] The rotating rod 13 and the fixed rod 15 are provided with tree branch locking arc-shaped parts facing the platform 10. Tree branches are provided between the tree branch locking arc-shaped parts and the central fulcrum. The rotating rod 13 and the fixed rod 15 are provided with bent arc-shaped parts at opposite ends.

[0057] A method for testing the yield strength of woody plant branches using an instrument: The operation method using the aforementioned instrument for grading the yield strength of woody plant branches is as follows:

[0058] 1) Use vernier calipers to determine the thickness of the branches of the woody plant being tested;

[0059] (1) Detect the diameter of the branch;

[0060] (2) When testing the thickness of branches, the test should be performed on the smooth part at the base of the branch;

[0061] 2) Place one side of the branch to be tested close to the branch's center of force fulcrum 26. Adjust the distance in the X direction between the opposite ends of the fixed rod 15 and the rotating rod 13 according to the thickness of the branch. Lock the X-direction slide table. Move the Y-axis slide table to one side of the branch so that the branch locking arc-shaped part is close to the branch. Lock the Y-axis sliding seat.

[0062] 3) Set the branch level on the hand controller or touch screen;

[0063] 4) Press the start button on the hand controller or touch screen. The motor will start rotating, and the display screen will automatically switch to the detection screen.

[0064] 5) The torque sensor 11 and the X-ray camera 17 simultaneously monitor the detection status. During uniform rotation, the torque sensor 11 will detect the instantaneous changes in the branches.

[0065] 6) Once the force or speed changes instantaneously, the torque sensor 11 will send a signal to stop the drive motor from rotating and the rotating rod 13 from rotating. At the same time, the X-ray camera 17 will brake and take multiple pictures, and the display screen 16 will show the image with the greatest change in the wood.

[0066] 7) The position where the rotating rod 13 stops is the yield strength grade of the branch;

[0067] 8) Manually switch to X-ray camera 17 to take pictures and confirm the fracture status of the wood at this time.

[0068] A method for grading the yield strength of woody plant branches, characterized in that: the yield strength is divided into 12 grades, with different diameter ranges classified into different types, as detailed below:

[0069] For branches that are completely inflexible, the yield strength is designated as level 12; for branches that are fully bendable without damage, the yield strength is designated as level 1, resulting in a total of 12 levels. Branches of different diameters are also classified into three categories based on their diameter thickness.

[0070] The specific method for classifying the 12 levels is as follows:

[0071] The grading of the yield strength of woody plant branches involves bending the branches to the point where the xylem is damaged, and classifying them according to the degree to which the branches can be bent. During bending, the center of the branch is used as the fulcrum, and forces of 5 kg, 10 kg, and 15 kg are applied according to Type I, Type II, and Type III, respectively, at a linear speed of 1 m / min. Bending is stopped when the xylem is damaged. In the testing instrument, the bending angle of the damaged xylem is the yield strength grade of the woody plant branch tested.

[0072] The yield strength grade of the branch is determined by the bending angle during bending, as detailed below:

[0073] The specific details of the three types of tree branch classification are as follows:

[0074]

[0075] Since the yield strength of branches of the same woody plant varies with different diameters, and the yield strength of different woody plants also varies, the tree diameter at different diameters is used as a grade for evaluation when determining the yield strength of branches.

[0076] When measuring yield strength, it is necessary to test according to the thickness of the branches. Based on the different diameters of tree branches, they are divided into three types: Class I, Class II, and Class III. Class I is for branches with a diameter of less than or equal to 1 cm; Class II is for branches with a diameter of more than 1 cm but less than 3 cm; and Class III is for branches with a diameter of more than or equal to 3 cm.

[0077] The positive effects of this invention are as follows: By setting a torque sensor 11 on the instrument's rotating shaft 24, the speed change during branch bending can be accurately detected. During bending, the speed change occurs due to the fracture of the xylem. Once a speed change occurs, the torque sensor 11 will feed back to the controller 20, which will then control the motor to stop, locking the angle of the branch's maximum bending flexibility, thus determining the branch's yield strength. Simultaneously, the X-ray camera 17 captures the xylem fracture condition. By setting the rotating rod 13 and the fixed rod 15 respectively on a sliding seat in the X-axis direction and a cross slide in the Y-axis direction, the cross slide can be adjusted according to the thickness of the branch. The distance between the opposite ends of the X-axis rotating rod 13 and the fixed rod 15 and the rotating shaft 24 is adjusted to allow force to be applied to both sides of the rotating shaft 24 simultaneously for branch bending detection. The sliding in the Y-axis direction can be adjusted according to the thickness of the branch. The branch is clamped by moving it to one side, and the position can be locked using the corresponding locking mechanism after adjustment to the appropriate position. With the display screen 16, the corresponding operation and settings can be performed not only at the instrument but also in the operating room. In particular, the operation is simpler and more convenient with the addition of a hand controller. By setting the category, the detection speed and torque can be determined, which can improve the detection speed.

[0078] By utilizing a yield strength grading instrument for woody plant branches, the yield strength of woody plant branches can be tested and stored as data. This data serves as an important reference in branch weaving, landscaping, bonsai styling, and wind breakage assessment. The use of this instrument plays a crucial role in future research on the yield strength of woody plant branches. By classifying the bending flexibility of woody plant branches according to their yield strength, the required yield strength can be determined beforehand in branch weaving, landscaping, and bonsai styling. This allows for the targeted selection of branches from specific trees. Even for different parts of the same craft, branches with different yield strengths can be selected for weaving based on their curvature and stress levels. In forest or bonsai styling, the timing and type of styling can be determined based on test data. Not only can different branches be needed according to yield strength within the same woven design, but different types of branches can also be selected based on stress conditions and test data. In wind breakage assessment, the types of trees easily broken by wind can be determined based on local wind strength, as well as suitable planting locations for different tree types and locations of tree species prone to wind breakage. This allows for targeted measures and preventative measures in wind disaster protection. This invention unifies the standards for judging the flexibility of woody plant branches within this unit and even in this field, and provides a grading instrument for determining the yield strength of woody plant branches. It provides a more effective application standard and testing instrument for predicting wind breakage risks in weaving techniques, garden styling, and bonsai styling.

Claims

1. A method of testing woody plant branch yield strength grading apparatus, characterised in that: The instrument comprises a platform, the platform is a semicircular structure, a rotating shaft is arranged in the vertical direction of the center of the semicircular structure, a driving mechanism is connected to the rotating shaft, a torque sensor is arranged on the rotating shaft, a branch stress center fulcrum is arranged on the outer periphery of the rotating shaft, the branch stress center fulcrum is a rotating member with a circular arc outer periphery, a wood plant branch yield strength grading scale is arranged on the periphery of the platform, a circumferential poking mechanism is arranged on the platform in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the rotating shaft, a branch locking mechanism is arranged on the circumferential poking mechanism, an X-ray camera is arranged above the position near the center of the semicircular structure of the platform, the instrument is equipped with an operable display screen, the operable display screen comprises a touch screen on the side of the instrument, a display and a mouse in the operation room, the circumferential poking mechanism comprises a rotating rod and a fixed rod, the rotating rod and the fixed rod are provided with a branch locking arc-shaped member towards the side of the platform, X and Y axis direction position adjusting mechanisms are respectively connected to the rotating rod and the fixed rod, the driving mechanism, the torque sensor, the display screen and the X-ray camera are connected to a controller, and a hand controller is connected to the controller. The detection method is as follows: 1) Determine the thickness of the wood plant branch by using a vernier caliper; (1) Detect the diameter of the branch; (2) When detecting the thickness of the branch, the smooth part at the base of the branch should be detected; 2) Place one side of the branch against the branch stress center fulcrum, adjust the X direction distance between the opposite ends of the fixed rod and the rotating rod according to the thickness of the branch, lock the X axis direction sliding seat, move the Y axis direction sliding seat to the side of the branch, make the branch locking arc-shaped member tightly contact with the branch, and lock the Y axis direction sliding seat; 3) Set the branch grade on the hand controller or the touch screen; 4) Press the detection start on the hand controller or the touch screen, drive the mechanism to rotate, and the display screen automatically switches to the detection screen at the same time; 5) The torque sensor and the X-ray camera monitor the detection condition at the same time, and the torque sensor detects the instantaneous change of the branch in the uniform rotation; 6) Once the instantaneous change of the force or speed occurs, the torque sensor sends a signal, the driving mechanism stops rotating, the rotating rod stops rotating, at the same time, the X-ray camera takes multiple photos, and the screen displays the largest change of the xylem; 7) The bending angle corresponding to the stop position of the rotating rod is the yield strength grade of the branch; 8) Manually switch the X-ray camera to take a photo, and confirm the xylem fracture condition at this time; The branches are divided into three categories according to the diameter, which are category I, category II and category III, category I is the branch with a diameter less than or equal to 1 cm, category II is the branch with a diameter greater than 1 cm and less than 3 cm, and category III is the branch with a diameter greater than or equal to 3 cm; The yield strength is divided into 12 grades, different diameter ranges are classified into different types, the yield strength of the branch that cannot be bent at all is determined as grade 12, the yield strength of the branch that can be bent without damage to the xylem is determined as grade 1, the center position of the branch is taken as the stress fulcrum when bending, 5 kg, 10 kg and 15 kg of force are respectively applied to the branches of category I, category II and category III, the wood plant branches are bent at a linear speed of 1 m / min, and the bending is stopped when the xylem is damaged. The grade of the branch yield strength is determined according to the bending angle during bending, and the specific cases are as follows: 。 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the instrument is a woody plant branch yield strength grading instrument. Parameter setting, data display, graphics and photo display can be realized through the display screen and the mouse, and the display beside the instrument is a touch screen, and the touch screen is arranged beside the platform.

3. The detection method of the yield strength grading instrument for woody plant branches according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hand controller comprises a start knob, a stop knob, a pause knob and a branch thickness setting knob, wherein the branch thickness setting knob comprises three grades, and the rotation speed and torque of the motor change with the grade, and the setting items in the hand controller are the same as those displayed on the display screen.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the instrument is a woody plant branch yield strength grading instrument. The driving mechanism comprises a driving motor, and the driving motor is a servo motor.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the instrument is a woody plant branch yield strength grading instrument. The rotating rod of the driving mechanism is connected to the rotating rod of the driving mechanism through an X-Y axis direction position adjusting mechanism, the X-Y axis direction position adjusting mechanism is a cross-shaped sliding table, the rotating rod of the driving mechanism is parallel to the rotating rod of the driving mechanism and located above the diameter of the semicircular structure, one end of the rotating rod of the driving mechanism is fixed above the rotating shaft, the rotating rod of the driving mechanism is fixed to one end of the cross-shaped sliding table in the Y axis direction towards the semicircular structure, the rotating rod of the driving mechanism is located in front of the semicircular structure platform of the rotating rod of the driving mechanism, the rotating shaft and the rotating rod of the driving mechanism are connected through a horizontal connecting plate, the fixed rod and the rotating rod of the driving mechanism are arranged in a straight line, the X direction sliding table of the cross-shaped sliding table on the side of the fixed rod is fixed to the front side of the platform, the Y axis direction is higher than the platform, the fixed rod passes through the corner connecting plate from above the cross-shaped sliding table to the platform, the corner connecting plate is fixed with the fixed rod on one side of the semicircular structure, a distance is arranged between the end of the rotating rod of the driving mechanism and the end of the fixed rod, the distance between the end of the rotating rod of the driving mechanism and the end of the fixed rod from the rotating shaft is equal, the distance between the rotating rod of the driving mechanism and the fixed rod from the rotating shaft is adjustable, and the distance is 1.5 times the diameter of the branch, the rotating rod of the driving mechanism and the fixed rod are respectively provided with arc pieces on one side of the semicircular structure, and the arc pieces are provided with detection branches between the rotating shaft.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the instrument is a woody plant branch yield strength grading instrument. The X-Y axis direction locking mechanisms are arranged in the cross-shaped sliding tables connected to the rotating rod and the fixed rod.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein the instrument is a woody plant branch yield strength grading instrument. The rotating rod and the fixed rod are provided with bending arc pieces at opposite ends.

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