Infrared Thermal Weed Control System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional weed control systems, particularly those using open flame combustion, are unsafe, difficult to control, and ineffective in targeting weeds without damaging desirable crops, especially in large crop fields.

Innovation Solution

An electrically powered infrared thermal weed control system with a housing, electrically powered infrared heating elements, and a control assembly for varying electrical potential to precisely target and heat weeds to an appropriate temperature for effective control without harming crops.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If open flame combustion based systems are used for weed control, then the system can generate sufficient heat to control weeds, but the system becomes very dangerous, hard to control, and damages desired crops

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat generation capabilityVSAvoiddamage to desired crops and safety risks

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical combustion-based heating system with an electrically powered infrared heating system. The electrically powered infrared heating element generates heat through electrical resistance, eliminating the need for open flame combustion. This substitution resolves the contradiction by providing sufficient heat for weed control while removing the safety risks and crop damage associated with combustion, as the infrared energy can be precisely controlled and directed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the heating mechanism from combustion-based thermal radiation to electrically powered infrared radiation. By controlling the electrical potential applied to the heating element, the system can precisely regulate the infrared energy output. This parameter change allows the system to achieve the necessary temperature for weed control while preventing excessive heat that would damage crops, thus resolving the contradiction between heat generation capability and harm to desired plants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If open flame combustion systems are used, then weed control can be achieved, but the systems are very difficult to control and cannot effectively control weeds in large number of crop fields

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweed control effectivenessVSAvoidcontrol difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the difficult-to-control combustion system with an electrically powered infrared heating system that offers superior controllability. The electrical control system allows for precise regulation of power output, enabling effective weed control in large crop fields while being much easier to operate and manage compared to combustion systems that require fuel handling and flame control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If conventional combustion-based weed control systems are used, then weed control can be performed, but the systems are unsafe and environmentally harmful

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweed control capabilityVSAvoidsafety and ecological impact

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the unsafe combustion-based system with an electrically powered infrared heating system. This replacement eliminates the safety hazards associated with open flames and fuel storage while maintaining effective weed control capability. The system is also more environmentally friendly as it produces no combustion byproducts, thus improving reliability in terms of safety and ecological impact while preserving weed control productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The system provides precise, safe, and ecological weed control, reducing the risk of damage to crops and environmental impact, with the ability to target weeds effectively in areas where combustion-based systems fail, offering a more efficient and sustainable solution.

Implementation Method 1

at least one electrically powered infrared heating element mounted within the chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

electrically powered infrared based thermal weed control system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS10750736B2Robotic electrically powered infrared based thermal weed control system

Publication Date: 2020.08.25 STW LLC

AI summary

An electrically powered infrared based thermal weed control system. A housing has a downwardly facing chamber. At least one electrically powered infrared heating element is mounted within the chamber. A source of electrical power is electrically coupled to the electrically powered infrared heating element. A control assembly varies the electrical power to the electrically powered infrared heating elements and the heat generated for controlling undesired vegetation there adjacent using targeted infrared radiation emitted by the electrically powered infrared heating element.