Automated Wire Cutting in Crop Hoisting Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual cutting of wires in crop wire hoisting systems is labor-intensive due to varying wire positions and interference from suspenders, making automatic cutting unreliable and economically unviable.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a pushing element that pushes the cable upwardly with a limited distance, maintaining a fixed spatial relationship with a cutting element, preventing suspender interference and allowing automatic wire cutting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual cutting is used to cut wires, then cutting can be performed with simple equipment, but labor intensity is very high
Solution Approach 1:
The cable serves itself by pushing upward against the pushing element during the cutting process. This self-generated force eliminates the need for complex external pushing mechanisms, reducing device complexity while enabling automated cutting operations that improve productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cutting with an automated cutting element that moves along the cable. The system uses the cable's own movement to position wires for cutting, substituting human labor with an automated mechanical system that increases efficiency
2Extent of automation
If visual means are used to detect wire locations, then automatic cutting may be achieved, but detection reliability is low due to dust and plant interference
Solution Approach 1:
The pushing element acts as an intermediary between the automatic cutting system and the wires. Instead of directly detecting wire positions through visual means that are unreliable in dusty environments, the system uses the pushing element's contact with the cable to indirectly locate and cut wires, achieving automation without compromising reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The cable pushes itself upward against the pushing element, causing wires to automatically present themselves for cutting. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for unreliable visual detection systems, achieving automation through the cable's own movement rather than through problematic sensing
3Manufacturing precision
If the cable is pushed upwardly to fix its position, then wire cutting locations become unambiguous, but suspenders interfere with the cutting action
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the cable's position during the cutting process. The cable is pushed upward only to the extent needed to present wires for cutting, then allowed to return to its natural position. This dynamic approach maintains cutting precision while avoiding suspender interference that would occur with continuous upward positioning
4Extent of automation
If multiple rigid pushing elements are used to fix cable position, then automatic cutting becomes possible, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The cable serves itself by pushing upward against the pushing element using its own weight and tension. This eliminates the need for multiple complex rigid pushing elements that would be required to control cable position, reducing device complexity while maintaining automation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the pushing function from a complex multi-element mechanism and reduces it to a single pushing element. The cable's own properties (weight, tension) are utilized to provide the pushing force, removing the need for complicated rigid pushing structures and enabling cost-effective automation
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 substantial automation of wire cutting while maintaining contact with the cable, ensuring precise cutting without suspender interference, even with varying cable positions and loads.
Implementation Method 1
A method involving a pushing element that pushes the cable upwardly with a limited distance
Implementation Method 2
a cutting element that has a fixed spatial relationship with regard the pushing element, moving the pushing element in conjunction with the cutting element along the cable while cutting the multiple separate wires
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~4B
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention pertains to a method to cut multiple separate wires (20) that hang down from a support (10) in a crop wire hoisting system, which system comprises as the support a hoistable cable (10) that extends in essence horizontally and is suspended from a top framework (2) by being connected to multiple interdistant suspenders (5) that can be pulled in towards the top framework to allow hoisting of the cable, the multiple separate wires being connected to the cable between the first and second site and each grown over with a plant (21), the method comprising providing a pushing element (40) that pushes the cable in upwards direction, providing a cutting element (41) that has a fixed spatial relationship with regard the pushing element, moving the pushing element in conjunction with the cutting element along the cable while cutting the multiple separate wires, wherein the upwards movement of the cable by the pushing element is limited such that when the pushing element passes a suspender, the lowermost point of this suspender is at a vertical position above the cutting element. The invention also pertains to an apparatus for applying the said method.