Modular Sub-Surface Membrane Installation to Reduce Soil Drag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional devices for installing sub-surface water retention membranes on highly permeable, sandy agricultural soils are inefficient, unsafe, and unsuitable for large-scale deployment due to high drag forces, complex operation, and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A novel membrane installation device with integrated chisel devices, adjustable via hydraulics, that addresses soil drag, precision membrane handling, machine stability, and operator safety, featuring modular expansion, quick changeover, and automated functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional membrane installation devices are used, then membrane installation can be performed, but drag forces are excessively high requiring tremendous horsepower
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a rounded nose cone at the front of the frame that tapers backward, creating a streamlined aerodynamic shape that reduces soil drag forces. This curved profile allows the device to cut through soil more efficiently compared to conventional flat-front designs, significantly reducing the horsepower required to pull the device through the field.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates adjustable parameters including depth control for membrane placement and adjustable tensioning mechanisms. These parameter adjustments optimize the device's interaction with the soil, allowing it to maintain effective membrane installation while minimizing drag forces by adapting to different soil conditions and membrane types.
2Ease of operation
If conventional membrane installation devices are used, then membrane installation can be performed, but the operation is unsafe requiring crew to crawl under multi-ton device
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates automated membrane cutting mechanisms that operate without requiring crew members to crawl underneath the device. The system uses sensors and automated control systems to detect when the membrane needs cutting and performs the cutting operation automatically, eliminating the safety hazard while maintaining operational effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The device includes an intermediate automated cutting mechanism that acts as a mediator between the membrane and the operator. Instead of requiring direct human intervention in dangerous positions, the cutting function is transferred to an automated intermediary system that performs the hazardous task safely and efficiently.
3Productivity
If conventional membrane installation devices are used, then membrane installation can be performed, but installation speed is limited and efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The device maintains continuous membrane tensioning throughout the installation process using spring-loaded or hydraulic tensioning mechanisms. This continuous action prevents membrane sagging and ensures consistent burial depth without requiring stopping for manual adjustments, thereby increasing installation speed and reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The device replaces manual mechanical operations with automated systems including hydraulic depth control, automated membrane feeding, and sensor-based positioning systems. These substitutions eliminate the need for frequent manual interventions and significantly increase the rate at which membrane can be installed across large areas.
Data Source
AI summary
A sub-surface membrane deposition device including a movable frame, at least one chisel attached to the frame, hydraulics to raise and lower the at least one chisel from the frame, and a membrane deployable to a sub-surface level by the at least one chisel as the movable frame is moved. Also provided is a method of deposing a membrane to a sub-surface level that includes providing a movable frame, at least one chisel attached to the frame, hydraulics to raise and lower the at least one chisel from the frame, and a membrane. The method including lowering the at least one chisel with the hydraulics to the sub-surface level, moving the frame and at least one chisel forward, and deploying the membrane to the sub-surface level with the at least one chisel.