E Bracket Mower for Precision Weed Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing weed control systems, particularly those relying on herbicides and genetically modified seeds, face significant challenges due to weed resistance, leading to ineffective herbicide use and increased development costs without new herbicide introductions since 1987.

Innovation Solution

A precision agricultural mower system utilizing an 'E' bracket structure attached to self-propelled vehicles, equipped with GPS/Autosteer technology for precise weed cutting and shredding between crop rows, reducing soil erosion and promoting moisture retention without tillage, and minimizing harvesting equipment wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If herbicides and genetically modified seeds are used for weed control, then initial weed killing effectiveness is improved, but weed resistance develops over time rendering the system ineffective

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweed control effectivenessVSAvoidduration of herbicide effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using chemical herbicides to kill weeds, the invention uses mechanical mowing to cut weeds at ground level and shred them into mulch. This inverts the approach from chemical destruction to mechanical processing, eliminating the resistance problem while maintaining weed control effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the chemical system (herbicides) with a mechanical system (mower with cutting and shredding blades). This substitution eliminates the biological resistance issue that plagues chemical weed control while providing continuous effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If traditional tillage methods are used for weed control, then weed growth is suppressed, but soil erosion increases and moisture retention decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweed control effectivenessVSAvoidsoil erosion and moisture loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of tilling the soil to control weeds (which causes erosion), the invention mows the weeds above ground and shreds them into mulch that remains on the soil surface. This inverts the approach from soil disturbance to surface mulching, controlling weeds while protecting soil structure and moisture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts weed biomass, which would otherwise be waste material requiring removal, into beneficial mulch through shredding. This mulch protects the soil surface, reducing erosion and moisture loss while suppressing weed regrowth.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Manufacturing precision

If precision GPS/Autosteer systems are used for mower positioning, then lateral path variation is reduced preventing crop damage, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemower path positioning accuracyVSAvoidGPS/Autosteer system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mower is designed to be mounted on existing agricultural vehicles that may already have GPS/Autosteer systems. The universal mounting design allows the mower to benefit from these existing precision guidance systems without requiring duplicate equipment, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses the existing vehicle-mounted GPS/Autosteer system as an intermediary to provide precision positioning for the mower. Rather than building an independent positioning system, the mower leverages the vehicle's existing guidance infrastructure to achieve accurate lateral path control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If herbicide application is continued to control resistant weeds, then weed pressure is maintained, but development costs increase and new herbicide options are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweed control effectivenessVSAvoidherbicide development investment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces continued investment in chemical herbicide systems with a mechanical mowing system. This substitution eliminates the need for costly herbicide R&D and registration while providing effective weed control through physical cutting and shredding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the fundamental parameter of weed control from chemical application to mechanical processing. By shifting from chemical to physical control methods, the system eliminates the escalating costs associated with developing new herbicides for resistant weeds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10136579B2Mower for attachment to an agricultural vehicle

Publication Date: 2018.11.27 BUTTON BARBARA J

AI summary

A mower for attachment to an agricultural vehicle, the mower incorporating an “E” bracket including a column, a lower arm, an upper arm, and a medial arm, wherein each of the “E” bracket's arms has a proximal end fixedly attached to the column, and wherein each of the “E” bracket's arms is adapted for plant cutting; the mower further incorporating hitch arms for mounting the “E” bracket upon the rear end or front end of the agricultural vehicle; wherein each “E” bracket arm includes a downwardly opening housing within which a plurality of motor driven rotary blades are operatively mounted.