Leaf Stripper With Adjustable Pneumatic Heads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leaf stripping technologies are not adaptable to various plant sizes and shapes, particularly lacking the degrees of freedom to effectively defoliate diverse vegetation configurations, including large trees, and are not designed for efficient operation on uneven terrain or in strong winds.
Innovation Solution
A leaf remover with multiple degrees of freedom, including vertical translation, rotational movement, and adjustable spacing, allowing the leaf stripping heads to be positioned independently and adapt to different vegetation shapes, supported by a deformable structure that can be secured to conventional transport means, enabling efficient defoliation across various plantations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-shaped support with non-adjustable stripping heads is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different plant sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is transformed from a fixed rigid form to a dynamically adjustable configuration. The first and second connections enable vertical translation movements (PZ1 and PZ2) that allow the stripping heads to adapt to different plant heights and shapes, while the third connection provides horizontal adjustment capability. This dynamic structure resolves the contradiction by making the device adaptable without requiring complete redesign for each plant type.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is divided into multiple independently adjustable segments: the first connection for vertical translation PZ1, the second connection for vertical translation PZ2, and the third connection for horizontal translation PY. Each segment can be adjusted independently to accommodate different plant configurations, allowing the device to adapt to various plant sizes and shapes while maintaining a modular structure that doesn't excessively increase overall complexity.
2Reliability
If the stripping heads are fixed in position, then the device is stable, but it cannot adapt to uneven terrain or strong winds
Solution Approach 1:
The stripping heads are equipped with dynamic positioning capabilities through the first connection (vertical translation PZ1) and second connection (vertical translation PZ2), allowing them to move and adapt to uneven terrain and wind conditions while maintaining operational stability. The system can adjust its configuration in real-time to compensate for terrain variations and external forces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adjustable connections are added to achieve adaptability, then the device can handle various plant configurations, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure with multiple connections serves multiple functions simultaneously: the first connection provides vertical adjustment PZ1, the second connection provides vertical adjustment PZ2, and the third connection provides horizontal adjustment PY. This multi-functional design allows a single unified structure to adapt to all vegetation configurations without requiring separate specialized mechanisms for each type of adjustment, thereby managing complexity through functional integration.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the rail is fixed relative to the support means, then the structure is rigid and simple, but it cannot vary spacing to adapt to different plant densities
Solution Approach 1:
The rail is transformed from a fixed component to a dynamically adjustable one through the third connection, which enables horizontal translation movement PY relative to the support means. This allows the spacing between the rail and structure to be varied to adapt to different plant densities and configurations, while the mechanical linkage design keeps the complexity manageable through straightforward translational motion.
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 solution provides a versatile and adaptable leaf removal system capable of handling different plant sizes and shapes, ensuring effective defoliation with adjustable height and density, and maintaining stability on uneven terrain, enhancing operational efficiency and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
a pneumatic source capable of producing compressed air intended to be ejected by the stripping heads (5)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 2
AI summary
An agricultural defoliator (1) capable of adopting numerous configurations allowing the defoliation of shrubs and trees of various shapes and sizes consists of a structure (3) capable of being transported along a horizontal axis (Z2) parallel to the ground and consisting of a structure (3) formed of two parts, one of which is fixed to a transport vehicle and the other of which can slide vertically on the fixed part (7) and supports a straight rail (6) generally parallel to the structure (3) and capable of being moved horizontally towards and away from the structure (3) and inclined relative to it, the rail (6) carrying at least two pneumatic defoliating heads, each defoliating head being able to be adjusted in a desired position on the rail (6) independently of the other defoliating heads, and each being able to be adjusted in a desired orientation around its working axis (Z2) on the rail (6).