Hemp Harvesting Device with Roller and Chain Guide Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing harvesting machines for hemp plants are inefficient due to their long, resistant stalks, which cause malfunctions and require manual separation of stalks and seeds, making the process costly and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing a pair of rollers to cut hemp stalks above ground and a chain guide to strip flowers from the stalks, with a vibrating track to detach seeds, allowing for simultaneous cutting, separation, and collection of stalks and flowers in a single mechanical step.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional cutting bars are used to cut hemp at a fixed height, then the cutting operation is simple, but the stalks and seeds fall to the ground requiring subsequent manual collection and separation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple functions (cutting, separating, and collecting) into a single integrated device. The cutter bar cuts the hemp, while simultaneously the stalks are pulled through a chain guide that separates flowers from stalks, and both are collected in separate containers during one pass, eliminating the need for subsequent manual operations
Solution Approach 2:
The harvesting device performs multiple operations simultaneously: cutting the hemp stalks, separating flowers from stalks through the chain guide mechanism, and collecting both components in separate containers. This multi-functional approach increases productivity while maintaining operational simplicity
2Manufacturing precision
If grain harvesting machines are used to separate stalk and grain with two cuts, then separation is achieved, but the machines are not suitable for hemp due to highly branched stems with diameters of 2 mm to 60 mm and strong fiber bundles causing malfunctions and blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adapts the cutting mechanism to hemp-specific parameters by using a cutter bar designed to handle stem diameters ranging from 2 mm to 60 mm. The cutting geometry and force parameters are optimized for hemp's highly branched structure and strong fiber bundles, preventing malfunctions and blockages that occur with conventional grain harvesting machines
Solution Approach 2:
The separation process is divided into distinct stages: first cutting the stalks above ground, then pulling them through the chain guide where flowers are separated from stalks. This segmented approach allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, ensuring reliable operation with hemp's challenging stem structure
3Manufacturing precision
If manual separation of stalks and seeds is performed in a subsequent step, then complete separation is achieved, but the process becomes costly and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the separation function into the primary harvesting operation. The chain guide mechanism separates flowers from stalks simultaneously as the cutter bar cuts and as the stalks are pulled through, eliminating the need for separate manual separation steps while maintaining complete separation of components
Solution Approach 2:
The harvesting device performs its own separation function through the chain guide mechanism, which automatically separates flowers from stalks during the cutting and collection process. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external manual labor while achieving complete separation
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 simple, low-loss, and cost-effective recovery of hemp stalks and flowers with seeds, improving efficiency and reducing manual labor by allowing for mechanical separation and collection.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pair of rollers arranged behind a mower, which is arranged longitudinally to the direction of travel and moves in opposite directions to each other, pulls the hemp stalks downwards
Implementation Method 2
at least one chain guide arranged above the pair of rollers, which grasps the hemp stalks below the flowers and pulls them backwards in the chain gap
Implementation Method 3
This knocking out is preferably done by a vibrating conveyor
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and a device for harvesting plants belonging to the hemp family (Cannabaceae), in particular the genus hemp, which enables the harvesting and separation of the individual plant parts without damaging the individual plant parts. In particular, during harvesting, the hemp stalks are pulled downwards by a pair of rollers and the flowers are pulled backwards through a chain gap, thereby stripping the flowers from the stalks.