Moving Unit for Transporting Pruned Plant Branches
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Solution Overview
Problem
The traditional manual removal and handling of pruned branches in vine cultivation are labor-intensive and environmentally unsustainable, leading to significant greenhouse gas emissions and lack of biomass energy valorization.
Innovation Solution
A moving unit is coupled to the supporting structure in vine cultivation areas, featuring a transporting structure that translates parallel to the ground to collect and transport pruned branches from the cutting point to a collecting point, allowing for natural drying and subsequent processing, reducing manual labor and environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual removal and handling of pruned branches is used, then labor intensity is high, but traditional methods are simple and require no additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The transporting structure utilizes the existing supporting structure wires to transport branches automatically after pruning. The system self-activates when branches are cut and attached to the wires, eliminating the need for manual collection and reducing labor intensity without requiring complex external equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary transporting structure that uses the existing supporting wires as a medium to convey branches from the pruning location to the collection point. This intermediary system bridges the gap between manual pruning and centralized collection, reducing labor while maintaining simplicity
2Productivity
If branches are burnt on site, then removal is quick, but environmental impact and GHG emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the previously harmful practice of on-site burning into a beneficial process by transporting branches to a centralized location for controlled combustion or energy valorization. The transporting structure enables this transformation by efficiently moving branches from the field to processing facilities where they can be used for energy production rather than open burning
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts branches from the cultivation field using the transporting structure and moves them to a separate processing location. This separation allows for environmentally friendly handling methods such as controlled combustion or energy recovery, eliminating the harmful effects of on-site burning while maintaining efficient removal
3Device complexity
If branches are seasoned on field by natural drying, then no additional equipment is needed, but GHG emissions occur during natural degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The transporting structure extracts branches from the field before they undergo natural degradation on the ground. By removing branches promptly and transporting them to a centralized location, the system prevents uncontrolled decomposition and associated GHG emissions while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes continuous transport of branches immediately after pruning, preventing the interruption that occurs with seasonal natural drying. This continuous action ensures branches are removed before degradation occurs, eliminating GHG emissions while maintaining simple operations
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional manual collection is used, then operation costs are low, but time and labor consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transporting structure operates automatically using the existing supporting structure, eliminating the need for manual collection efforts. Branches are self-propelled along the wires after pruning, significantly reducing the time and labor required for collection while keeping operation costs low
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous transport of branches from pruning to collection without interruption, eliminating the time loss associated with manual gathering and seasonal storage. This continuous action maintains low operation costs while dramatically reducing time consumption
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
Moving unit (4) attachable to a supporting structure (8) used for the cultivation of plants in a cultivating area, in particular for the cultivation of climbing plants, wherein the supporting structure (8) comprises a plurality of pillars (2) positionable on the ground (G) of said cultivating area and at least a fixed structure (3) fixable between at least a first pillar and a second pillar for supporting at least in part a main body (5) of the plants, the moving unit (4) comprising at least a transporting structure (9), on which branches (6) of the plants are attachable, the transporting structure (9) being movable relative to the supporting structure (8), in particular being configured to translate parallel to the ground (G), for transporting branches (6) of the plants from an originating point to a collecting point, when the branches (6) are cut from the main body (5).