Asymmetric Finger Hoe Element for Hardened Soil Weed Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional finger hoe tools are ineffective in viticulture due to hardened soil conditions, often leaving behind weeds or creating uneven mounds, and require chemical agents for optimal results.
Innovation Solution
A finger hoe element with a horizontally aligned disc and pointed edges that engages the soil to loosen the top layer and remove weeds, featuring elevations for deeper root removal and a scraper-like design for effective weed elimination, combined with a rotary hoe and mulcher for comprehensive soil management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional finger hoe tools are used in viticulture, then they can remove weeds in soft soil, but they become ineffective in hardened soil and leave weeds or create uneven mounds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the finger hoe element by introducing elevations on the outer sides that extend beyond the disc element. This creates a scraper-like shape with asymmetrical flanks that can effectively engage and remove weeds from hardened soil surfaces, overcoming the limitation of conventional finger hoes in compacted viticulture soils
Solution Approach 2:
The finger hoe element features asymmetrical flanks on its elevations, with one flank being steeper than the other. This asymmetric geometry allows the element to effectively scrape and remove weeds from the soil surface while maintaining stability during operation, particularly suited for the hardened soil conditions in viticulture
2Reliability
If rotary hoes are used to cultivate soil between vines, then weeds are damaged and killed, but incorrect adjustment creates strips of remaining weeds or undesirable soil mounds
Solution Approach 1:
The finger hoe element is designed to automatically self-adjust to the correct working depth and angle through its geometric features. The elevations engage the soil surface and self-regulate the penetration depth, eliminating the need for complex manual adjustments and ensuring consistent weed control results without creating soil mounds or leaving weed strips
3Productivity
If the finger disc is tilted to engage soil at a predetermined angle, then ground drive elements can set the finger disc in motion, but this configuration is unsuitable for horizontally aligned operation needed in viticulture
Solution Approach 1:
The finger hoe element is designed with elevations on both outer sides, allowing it to function effectively in horizontal alignment for viticulture applications. The asymmetric flanks and extended elevations enable the element to engage soil and remove weeds efficiently regardless of the disc's rotational position, providing versatility for different operational requirements
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a finger weeder element suitable for soil cultivation, comprising a holder (12) and a circular finger disc (14) with an inner element (16) and a plurality of fingers (18), wherein the fingers (18) are arranged along the outer edge of the inner element (16) and extend radially outwards from the inner element (16), wherein at least one finger (18) has a first outer surface (20), a second outer surface (22), two side walls (24, 26) and an end face (30), wherein the end face (30) has a tapered edge (38) extending in the axial direction of the finger disc (14).