Infrared Weed Control via Electrical Potential Regulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional weed control systems are not effective in safely, ecologically, conveniently, and economically heating weeds to the appropriate temperature for control, as they pose safety hazards, are inefficient, and can damage crops.

Innovation Solution

An electrically powered infrared based thermal weed control system with a housing, infrared heating elements, and a control assembly for varying electrical potential to heat weeds effectively, while minimizing risks to operators and crops.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional weed control systems (propane flamers, steamers) are used to heat weeds, then weeds can be controlled, but safety hazards increase and crop damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweed control effectivenessVSAvoidsafety hazards and crop damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical/chemical weed control systems (propane flamers, steamers) with an electrically powered infrared heating system. This substitution eliminates the safety hazards associated with open flames and heavy equipment while providing precise thermal control through electrical regulation, thereby maintaining weed control effectiveness without the harmful side effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs infrared heating elements that emit specific wavelengths of infrared radiation optimized for weed control. By controlling the electrical parameters (voltage, current) to the heating elements, the system precisely regulates the thermal energy delivered to weeds, achieving effective weed control at lower temperatures that do not damage crops or pose safety risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If conventional weed control systems are used, then weeds can be controlled, but fuel efficiency decreases and operational cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweed control effectivenessVSAvoidfuel consumption and operational cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces fuel-based heating systems (propane, steam) with an electrically powered infrared system. Electrical energy conversion to infrared radiation is highly efficient, eliminating fuel consumption entirely. The system draws power from standard electrical sources, significantly reducing operational costs while maintaining effective weed control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts electrical energy directly to infrared radiation through heating elements, achieving high energy conversion efficiency. By regulating electrical parameters, the system delivers precisely the amount of energy needed for weed control without waste, improving fuel efficiency and reducing operational costs compared to conventional fuel-based systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If infrared heating elements are used to target weeds specifically, then crop safety improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrop damage riskVSAvoidsystem component complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions infrared heating elements to target specific weed locations while avoiding crop plants. The system uses localized infrared radiation delivery, concentrating thermal energy where needed (on weeds) while leaving surrounding crops unaffected. This spatial selectivity achieves crop safety without requiring complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical targeting systems with the inherent directional properties of infrared radiation. Infrared heating elements naturally emit radiation in specific directions, allowing precise targeting of weeds through simple positioning rather than complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, thereby achieving selectivity without excessive complexity.

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 safe, efficient, and targeted heat to control weeds without the drawbacks of propane flamers and steamers, being more durable, fuel-efficient, and suitable for organic agriculture standards.

Implementation Method 1

electrically powered infrared based thermal weed control system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

electrically powered infrared heating element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS9648864B1Electrically powered infrared based thermal weed control system

Publication Date: 2017.05.16 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 potential is electrically coupled to the electrically powered infrared heating element. A control assembly varies the electrical potential to the electrically powered infrared heating elements and the heat generated for controlling undesired weeds there adjacent.