Manual Shoot Remover with Adjustable Interchangeable Brushes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing shoots from vine trunks and branches are inefficient, particularly in smaller plantations, as they require manual bending and use of non-interchangeable brushes, limiting comfort and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A manual shoot remover with a rolled profile structure, ball-head connector, and interchangeable brushes positioned at an angle greater than 90°, allowing for adjustable and comfortable operation with a cross-body strap handle, facilitating shoot removal without damaging the plants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mechanical shoot removers with rotating brushes are used, then shoot removal efficiency is improved, but the device can only be used on large areas with plantations in rows on espaliers or training trellises
Solution Approach 1:
The shoot remover employs a moving side that can be adjusted relative to the fixed side, allowing the device to adapt to different vine configurations and plantation types. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same device to work effectively on both large-scale espalier plantations and smaller traditional plantations.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines features of both mechanical efficiency and manual adaptability into a single tool. By incorporating interchangeable brushes and adjustable geometry, it serves multiple functions across different plantation types, eliminating the need for separate devices for different applications.
2Reliability
If manual inspection and cutting of remaining shoots is performed, then complete shoot removal is achieved, but the operator must bend down and adopt uncomfortable postures
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the shoot removal function with the inspection function into a single operation. The operator walks through the plantation in a normal upright posture, and the device simultaneously removes shoots while the operator visually inspects the results, eliminating the need for separate bending and cutting operations.
3Device complexity
If non-interchangeable brushes are used in manual shoot removers, then device simplicity is maintained, but brush replacement requires entire device replacement when brushes wear out
Solution Approach 1:
The brush assembly is segmented as a separate interchangeable component independent of the main device structure. This allows the brushes to be replaced individually without replacing the entire shoot remover device, reducing maintenance costs and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows worn brushes to be discarded and replaced with fresh interchangeable brushes, while the main device structure is recovered and reused. This extends the overall device lifecycle and reduces waste.
4Device complexity
If fixed position brushes are used on the base, then device structure is simplified, but shoot removal effectiveness is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a moving side that can be adjusted relative to the fixed side, allowing the brushes to be positioned optimally for different shoot configurations. This dynamic geometry adjustment significantly improves shoot removal effectiveness while maintaining reasonable structural simplicity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Manual shoot remover comprising a rolled profile structure (1, 1.1, 1.2) formed by a base with a rolled profile section (11), centred on its lower part, also incorporating a ball-head connector (2) designed to anchor a handle with cross-body strap and, positioned on the same base with ball-head connector (2), a fixed side (3, 3.1, 3.2) forming part of the rolled profile structure, and a moving side (4, 4.1, 4.2), there being interchangeable brushes (5) with several rows of bristles inserted in the profile of the said sides.