Active Weeder Blade with Slidable Disc and Sensor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing row weeders are ineffective in cutting weeds between plants due to manual operation, variable working depth, and inability to adapt to uneven plant spacing, leading to incomplete weed removal and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
An active blade weeder with a slidable disc and cycloidal motion, controlled by a controller, speed sensor, and plant distance sensor, allowing for automatic adjustment of blade position and speed to effectively cut weeds between plants with varying spacings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual control of cutter head location is used, then the operator can adjust the heads to avoid plants, but the system cannot automatically adapt to variable plant spacing, reducing efficiency and productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical control system with an automatic sensor-based control system. Optical or electronic sensors detect plant positions and spacing, and this information is processed by a control unit that automatically adjusts the cutter head locations, eliminating the need for manual operation while adapting to variable plant spacing
Solution Approach 2:
The weeding system performs self-adjustment based on sensor feedback about plant positions. The system automatically detects its own operational context (plant spacing and locations) and adjusts its configuration without external intervention, enabling continuous efficient operation across varying field conditions
2Device complexity
If fixed blade depth positioning is used, then the structure is simple, but the working depth varies with ground contours, reducing weeding precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic depth adjustment capability where the blade positioning system can actively change its vertical position in response to ground contour variations. Sensors detect ground elevation changes and the control system adjusts blade depth accordingly, maintaining consistent cutting depth across uneven terrain
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor ground position and blade depth, and this information is fed back to the control unit which makes real-time adjustments to maintain precise cutting depth despite variations in ground contours
3Ease of manufacture
If standard angle blades are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but they cannot cut weeds between plants in rows, limiting functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs blades that can dynamically change their orientation and position. Rather than fixed angle blades, the system uses adjustable blades that can be positioned at optimal angles relative to plant rows and individual plants, enabling effective cutting between plants while maintaining manufacturability through standardized blade components
Solution Approach 2:
The blade configuration is optimized locally for each plant position. The system adjusts blade angle and position specifically for each location between plants in the row, rather than using a uniform fixed-angle configuration, enabling effective weed cutting adapted to local plant spacing and orientation
4Adaptability or versatility
If cycloidal motion with hydraulic motors is used, then the blades can cut weeds between plants, but the system stops rotary motion when plants are far apart, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous rotary motion of the blades regardless of plant spacing. Rather than stopping the rotary mechanism when plants are far apart, the system keeps the blades rotating and uses sensor-guided positioning to selectively engage or disengage cutting action, ensuring continuous productive operation without interruption
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise and efficient cutting of weeds between plants with automatic control, ensuring consistent performance even with uneven plant spacings and varying operating speeds.
Implementation Method 1
An active blade weeder with a slidable disc and cycloidal motion, controlled by a controller, speed sensor, and plant distance sensor
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The active blade of row weeder, equipped with the impeller, the mounting clamp, the clutch is characterised in that on the impeller 2, driven by the hydraulic motor 4 with the controller 14, the speed sensor 15, the electro-controller 16, below the mounting clamp 1 there is mounted the sliding disc 5, and under it the blade disc 6, which by means of the rotatable connections and the connector 7, the blade arm 8 with the blade 9 and the handle of the blade 10, by means of the double rotatable and slidable kinematic pair 11, is connected with the sliding disc 5, which with the forks 12 is connected with the slide of the stepping motor 13 controlled by the controller 14 the sensor of the plant distance in the row.