Hemp Picking Machine with Dual Elements for Versatile Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current machines are not capable of efficiently processing different types of fibre plants, such as hemp and flax, in a single machine due to their varying lengths and compositions, leading to high costs and inefficiencies in harvesting and processing.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelling hemp picking machine equipped with a vehicle chassis, conveyor system, and dual picking elements that allow for the separate picking and processing of upper and lower parts of hemp plants, enabling efficient transportation and placement of hemp plants in rows for retting, while also accommodating different fibre plant lengths through adjustable configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single machine is used to process different types of fibre plants (hemp and flax), then the need for multiple machines is reduced and cost is decreased, but the machine complexity increases due to the need to accommodate varying plant lengths and compositions
Solution Approach 1:
The picking machine is divided into multiple independent picking elements (at least two picking elements), each capable of processing different portions of fibre plants. This segmentation allows the machine to handle both long hemp plants and shorter flax plants simultaneously by assigning different picking elements to different plant types or plant sections, thereby achieving versatility without requiring a completely different machine for each fibre plant type.
Solution Approach 2:
The picking machine is designed with universal picking elements that can process both long fibre plants (hemp) and short fibre plants (flax) through the same basic mechanism. The picking elements are configured to accommodate varying plant lengths and compositions, allowing a single machine to perform multiple functions and process different types of fibre plants without requiring separate specialized equipment for each type.
2Productivity
If multiple picking elements are used to handle different parts of hemp plants, then processing efficiency is improved and plants can be handled in streams, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hemp plant processing is segmented into different portions (upper part and lower part) that are handled by separate picking elements. This segmentation allows each picking element to specialize in handling specific portions of the plant, improving processing efficiency by allowing simultaneous handling of multiple plant parts in separate streams, while the modular nature of the segmentation keeps the added complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The picking machine processes hemp plants by creating multiple streams of processed plants through different picking elements. This dimensional approach to processing - handling plants in parallel streams rather than sequential processing - improves productivity by simultaneously processing different portions of plants, while the streams are then delivered in an organized manner to maintain manageability.
3Productivity
If the cutting unit cuts hemp plants during transport, then the upper and lower parts can be separated for different processing, but the timing and coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting unit performs the cutting action during the transport phase, before the upper and lower parts are fully separated and delivered. This preliminary cutting action allows the plant to be divided into manageable portions while still in the transport stream, improving separation efficiency by preparing the plant structure for subsequent handling. The cutting is coordinated with the transport mechanism to ensure proper timing without requiring complex post-transport coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting operation is integrated into the continuous transport process, maintaining the flow of plant material through the system without interruption. The cutting unit operates continuously during transport, separating upper and lower parts as they move through the picking elements, thereby maintaining productivity while avoiding the need for separate stopping and cutting operations that would increase coordination complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a hemp machine for processing hemp. The hemp machine comprises a self-propelling vehicle comprising a vehicle chassis and a hemp picking unit mounted on the vehicle chassis for the purpose of picking the hemp plants. The hemp picking unit comprises a first picking element embodied to pick the lower part of the hemp plants and a second picking element embodied to pick the upper part of the hemp plants. The second picking element has a cutting unit for cutting the hemp plants at a position between the upper and lower part of the hemp plants.