Flexible Contact Electrode for High-Speed Railway Weed Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for controlling weeds on railway tracks using electrical energy face limitations in speed due to electrode design and material wear, particularly with uneven surfaces and high forces, leading to inefficiencies and rapid electrode degradation.

Innovation Solution

A system with hanging contact electrodes designed to have lower bending stiffness against the direction of movement than transversely, allowing for increased flexibility and reduced abrasion, combined with a variable length and flexible design to maintain effective energy transfer at higher speeds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the voltage is increased to deliver sufficient electrical energy to control plants, then the effectiveness of weed control is improved, but safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical energy deliveryVSAvoidsafety risks

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The contact electrode is designed with flexible mounting that allows it to dynamically adjust its position and contact time based on plant presence and track conditions, optimizing energy delivery while maintaining safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of contact duration to control energy transfer, using longer contact times at lower voltages rather than high voltage short contacts, thereby delivering sufficient energy while reducing safety risks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If the contact time is increased to deliver sufficient electrical energy, then the effectiveness of weed control is improved, but the speed of the device along the tracks is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical energy deliveryVSAvoiddevice movement speed

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible mounting enables the contact electrode to dynamically adapt contact duration based on relative motion, maintaining effective energy transfer across varying speeds without requiring fixed slow operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible electrode maintains continuous or near-continuous contact with plants as the device moves, ensuring sustained energy delivery without interrupting device progression along the tracks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If the electrodes are mounted rigidly to maintain stable contact, then the reliability of electrical contact is improved, but the abrasion from uneven surfaces and gravel increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical contact stabilityVSAvoidelectrode wear

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The contact electrode uses a flexible mounting system that allows the electrode to conform to uneven surfaces and gravel, maintaining reliable electrical contact while reducing mechanical stress and abrasion on the electrode material

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible mounting allows the electrode to dynamically adjust to track conditions, maintaining stable contact through movement rather than rigidity, thereby reducing wear from impact and friction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If automated mechanical height adjustment is used to compensate for unevenness, then the adaptability to track conditions is improved, but the inertia reduces the speed of the device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheight adjustment capabilityVSAvoiddevice movement speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible mounting provides passive adaptation to height variations through elastic deformation of the mounting elements, eliminating the need for active mechanical adjustment mechanisms and their associated inertia

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible mounting system automatically adapts to track unevenness through its inherent flexibility, requiring no external control systems or energy input, thereby maintaining high device speed while compensating for surface variations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 high-speed weed control with reduced electrode wear and extended contact time, ensuring effective energy input into plants while minimizing system resistance and maintenance needs.

Implementation Method 1

A voltage is applied between the electrodes. When the plant comes into contact with the first electrode, an electric current flows from the first electrode through at least part of the plant to the second electrode.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical energy transfer: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

This electric shock weakens or kills the plant. The electrodes are usually attached to a device that moves along the tracks.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical shock: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentEP3823445B1Control of unwanted plants by means of electrical power

Publication Date: 2024.06.12 BAYER AG

Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2(a)~3
Figure 4~5(e)

AI summary

The invention relates to a system, a method and the use of the system according to the invention for controlling undesirable plants, in particular on railway tracks, using electrical energy.