Device for introducing high voltage into an urban substrate for electric weeding

Abstract

The present invention provides a device for introducing high voltage into an urban substrate, the device arranged to be carried by an urban moving carrier. The device comprises at least two conductive electrodes; at least one modular pair of insulating guides connected to the at least two conductive electrodes, insulating the electrodes from each other and at least one of them from the moving carrier; at least one connector for attaching the insulating guides into the moving carrier; conductive means for conducting energy from an electrical source to the at least two conductive electrodes. The conductive electrodes are connected to an electrical energy source that provides a voltage of at least 1kV between the electrodes and have means of adjusting the voltage output according to the highly variable impedances faced by the electrodes. As urban carriers usually do not have an available rotating axis as is commonly found in tractors, it makes sense to make use of a dedicated energy source. This energy source can be a dedicated generator composed of an alternator and a motor, or batteries. The energy source provides energy both for the movable carrier and the power electronics that output the electrical energy with the needed electrical parameters to perform electrical weeding.

Description

“DEVICE FOR INTRODUCING HIGH VOLTAGE INTO AN URBAN SUBSTRATE FOR ELECTRIC WEEDING”FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present invention relates to an urban electrical weeding device, with a focus on desiccation of invasive urban plants. More specifically, the invention relates to an electrical weeding desiccation applicator device for the application of electricity in plants, pulled or carried by an urban moving carrier (such as an electrical tricycle or another urban vehicle).DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

[0002] Weed control is major topic for Contractors and for Municipalities, in urban areas. This market is significantly fragmented in terms of technologies. Technologies include mechanical weed control operated by vehicles, thermal solutions (wet) operated by vehicles and thermal solutions (dry) operated also by vehicles.

[0003] The main limitation of mechanical and thermal weeding is its lack of systemic (root-based) mode of action, leading to frequent interventions and therefore higher labor costs. In addition, thermal weeding consumes a lot of energy (high carbon footprint), while mechanical weeding can damage surfaces / urban furniture / infrastructure. Other challenges include the management of operators especially during the summer and after raining periods, the many call backs from clients, the management of citizens’ complaints, the high maintenance of the equipment, the complexity of the operations, and the penalties due to treatments "out of specifications". The advantages of electric weeding for Contractors and for Municipalities are clear. For Contractors: saving labor (60% time), saving time on planning and inspection, saving machineries (maintenance, consumables & depreciation), lower need of staff during summer period, increased profitability (doing the same thing with less employees), increased earnings (freed employeesfor new projects) and reduction of penalties. For Municipalities, it represents more sustainable weed control operation, improved carbon footprint (vs. thermal weeding), less noise disturbance for citizens, less complaints by citizens.

[0004] Electric weeding core technologies can be embedded on both combustion powered tool carriers, as well as on electric city vehicles which could be powered by electric batteries.

[0005] Those are typically multi-tool carriers, highly versatile, for landscape and highway maintenance. These vehicles can operate all year round and its capability to operate a wide range of auxiliary equipment, it can effectively perform a variety of tasks, including mechanical weeding, mowing, hedge cutting, brushing, leaf suction, snow ploughing, gritting, and sweeping and collecting. This makes it a valuable asset for landscaping and highway maintenance businesses, and ideal for the inclusion of electric weeding solutions.

[0006] The applicator would be front-mounted to allow for operator visibility.

[0007] The supply unit could be positioned above the rear.

[0008] Document AU2017366640 Al relates to a device and a method for introducing a high voltage into a substrate comprising biological material, in which an applicator module having two or more applicators with simultaneously differing polarities is used through which the metered electrical high voltage flows so as to alter the substrate. Different embodiments allow the high voltage to be controlled and introduced in a targeted manner into the substrate. However, such a device has a complex structure and cannot guarantee a small distance from the ground, ensuring minimal waste of energy flows as waste through the ground.

[0009] Document WO2015119523A1 relates to an apparatus for destroying weeds, which consists of a switch transformer, cascade assembly for the voltage multiplication, and high voltage transformer and a feedback assembly, assembledin a whole so that input connector is attached to switch, output connector of which is attached to one input connector of the transformer's primary, whose other primary end is connected to input connector, while the output connectors of transformer's secondary are connected to input connectors of cascade assembly whose output is connected to one input connector of the high- voltage transformer's primary, whilst the cascade assembly is through feedback assembly connected to the second input connector of the high- voltage transformer's primary, whereas the connectors of the high- voltage transformer's secondary are connected to the electrodes which produce a strong electromagnetic field. The apparatus for destroying weeds can be designed as a portable apparatus, as well if the electrodes are placed onto the carrier for mounting on a hand carts, on a motocultivator, on a tractor, on truck, on a trailer or on a hauler of another moving carrier on which devices apparatus for destroying weeds is also placed and from which apparatus is, through conductors, a high voltage from output connectors on apparatus, conducted to each of plurality of electrodes mounted on the carrier. However, such a device has a complex structure and is more focused on the electronic circuit that could provide energy to the apparatus.

[0010] Therefore, although the state of the art comprises some techniques for the application of high-voltage electricity to plant substrates aiming plant desiccation, there is a need for an apparatus capable of applying high-voltage electricity to urban substrates, which has a simple and reliable construction, being able to maintain a small distance from the ground and being adaptable to irregularities in the soil and the higher impedance found in urban scenarios, due to concrete and asphalt, when compared to agricultural set-ups.

[0011] As urban carriers usually do not have an available rotating axis as is commonly found in tractors, it makes sense to make use of a dedicated energy source. This energy source can be a dedicated generator composed of an alternatorand a motor, or batteries. The energy source provides energy both for the movable carrier and the power electronics that output the electrical energy with the needed electrical parameters to perform electrical weeding.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention provides a device for introducing high voltage into an urban substrate, the device arranged to be carried by an urban moving carrier. The device comprises at least two conductive electrodes; at least one modular pair of insulating guides connected to the at least two conductive electrodes and arranged to insulate the electrodes from each other and at least one of them from the moving carrier; at least one connector for attaching the insulating guides into the moving carrier; conductive means for conducting energy from an electrical source to the at least two conductive electrodes.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The invention is explained in greater detail below on the basis of figures. Shown therein are:

[0014] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the device for introducing high voltage into an urban substrate.

[0015] FIG. 2 shows another perspective view of a first embodiment of the device for introducing high voltage into an urban substrate.

[0016] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the device for introducing high voltage into an urban substrate.

[0017] FIG. 4 shows another perspective view of a second embodiment of the device for introducing high voltage into an urban substrate.

[0018] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a secondary manual applicator of the device for introducing high voltage into an urban substrate.

[0019] FIG. 6 shows another perspective view of a secondary manual applicator of the device for introducing high voltage into an urban substrate.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The present invention provides a device for introducing high voltage into an urban substrate, the device arranged to be carried by an urban moving carrier. The device comprises at least two conductive electrodes; at least one modular pair of insulating guides connected to the at least two conductive electrodes, insulating the electrodes from each other and at least one of them from the moving carrier; at least one connector for attaching the insulating guides into the moving carrier; conductive means for conducting energy from an electrical source to the at least two conductive electrodes. The conductive electrodes are connected to an electrical energy source that provides a voltage of at least IkV between the electrodes and have means of adjusting the voltage output according to the highly variable impedances faced by the electrodes. As urban carriers usually do not have an available rotating axis as is commonly found in tractors, it makes sense to make use of a dedicated energy source. This energy source can be a dedicated generator composed of an alternator and a motor, or batteries. The energy source provides energy both for the movable carrier and the power electronics that output the electrical energy with the needed electrical parameters to perform electrical weeding.

[0021] Figures 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of the device for introducing high voltage into an urban substrate, according to the invention.

[0022] In this embodiment it is shown an urban battery powered movable carrier 20 that carries the power electronics in a housing 30 on the back of the movable carrier. The power electronics give the electrical power from batteries the needed electrical parameters to perform electrical weeding. The movable device preferably comprises different segments that are articulated so the radius of the driving curve is reduced.

[0023] In this embodiment it is shown an electrical applicator set 10 withtwo sets of electrodes 11 that can be moved and adjusted in the vertical and horizontal axis by the operator, so the operator can weed both in front and in the side of the vehicle 20, which is appropriate for weeding gutters and roadsides.

[0024] Figures 3 and 4 show a second embodiment of the device for introducing high voltage into an urban substrate, according to the invention.

[0025] In this embodiment it is shown an electrical urban generator powered movable carrier 21 that carries the power electronics in a housing 30 on the back of the movable carrier, with its own set of wheels. The power electronics gives the batteries electrical power the needed electrical parameters to perform electrical weeding. The movable device preferably comprises different segments that are articulated so the radius of the driving curve is reduced.

[0026] In this embodiment it is shown an electrical applicator set 10 with two sets of electrodes 11 that can be moved and adjusted in the horizontal axis by the operator, so the operator can weed both in front and in the side of the vehicle, which is appropriate for weeding gutters and roadsides. The applicator set 10 is guaranteed to have proper contact with the ground due to its own weight.

[0027] The invention can utilize an electrical discharge system for precise and targeted weed eradication. This mechanism identifies if there is the presence of the color green and delivers controlled electric impulses to effectively eliminate weeds if this is true. Thus, according to this embodiment, the applicator will only be turned on if the vision system identifies the presence of the color green. The power that will be delivered can also be adjusted based on the amount of green against other wavelengths measured and identified by the vision system in the targeted area.

[0028] The invention can utilize geo-referencing system to map the weed presence in urban areas to increase productivity of future applications, which are needed most where the weed pressure is higher, to which the past need of weedingis a proxy. The geo-referencing system to map the weed presence uses either data collected by the vision system or the impedance faced by the electrodes during operation.

[0029] According to Figures 5 and 6, the invention can utilize a secondary handheld applicator 40 so a person can manually reach weeds that cannot be directly weeded by the main applicator. This handheld applicator must be comprised of a high voltage connection, an electrically insulated structure to protect the user, at least one electrode 11 to perform weeding and a trigger 14 to turn the applicator on and off. This secondary applicator can have wheels.

[0030] While various example embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) that various changes in form and detail can be made therein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Device (10) for introducing high voltage into an urban substrate for electric weeding, the device (10) arranged to be carried by an urban moving carrier (20, 21) characterized in that the device comprises at least two conductive electrodes (11); at least one modular pair of insulating guides connected to the at least two conductive electrodes (11) and arranged to insulate the electrodes from each other and at least one of them from the moving carrier; at least one connector for attaching the insulating guides into the moving carrier (20, 21); conductive means for conducting energy from an electrical source to the at least two conductive electrodes (11).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that one energy source comprised of batteries provides energy both for the movable carrier and the power electronics that output the electrical energy with the needed electrical parameters to perform electrical weeding.

3. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one energy source comprised of an electrical generator provides energy both for the movable carrier and the power electronics that output the electrical energy with the needed electrical parameters to perform electrical weeding.

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator can be horizontally moved by the operator to perform weeding in front or in the side, and the ground contact of the electrodes is ensured by gravity.

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator is only turned on if a vision system identifies the presence of the color green.

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims,characterized in that the delivered power is related to the amount of the color green against other wavelengths measured.

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it utilizes geo-referencing system to map the weed presence using either data collected by the vision system, or the impedance faced by the electrodes.

8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has different segments that are articulated so the radius of the driving curve is reduced.

9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a secondary handheld applicator (40) comprised of a high voltage connection, an electrically insulated structure to protect the user, at least one electrode to perform weeding and a trigger (14) to turn the applicator on and off.

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