Oscillating Knife Tree Root Cutter for Nursery Transplantation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tree removal devices are not suitable for preserving trees for transplantation, as they either damage the roots, trunk, or branches during the removal process, and are often too large or poorly designed for close spacing in tree nurseries.

Innovation Solution

A tree removal device and working vehicle combination featuring a pivotable knife element with sharpened edges for cutting tree roots in both forward and backward directions, allowing for precise slicing without damaging the tree, and lateral adjustment capabilities to avoid trunk engagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a vertical swinging motion is used to facilitate the cutting action, then the cutting capability is improved, but the device becomes too large and may damage tree trunks or branches in close spacing settings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting capabilityVSAvoidsuitability for close spacing

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional vertical swinging motion with a horizontal oscillating motion. The knife element oscillates horizontally back and forth rather than swinging vertically, which maintains cutting effectiveness while reducing the device's vertical profile and preventing damage to tree trunks and branches in close spacing nursery environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the motion parameters from vertical swinging to horizontal oscillation, and adjusts the amplitude and frequency of oscillation to achieve effective cutting without requiring the large size associated with vertical swinging mechanisms. This parameter change allows the device to function in confined nursery spaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If serrated edges are used to cut roots, then the cutting action is improved, but the roots are destroyed and cannot be preserved for transplantation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting actionVSAvoidroot damage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by having different edge characteristics on the knife element. The leading edge is sharpened to a fine point for clean slicing that preserves root integrity, while other portions of the blade may have different characteristics. This localized quality ensures cutting effectiveness without destroying the roots, enabling transplantation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by using a sharp edge rather than a serrated edge for cutting roots. Instead of tearing through the roots with serrations, the sharp edge slices cleanly through the root tissue, preserving the root structure for successful transplantation while still achieving effective separation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Productivity

If a tip is used to topple trees after cutting roots, then the tree removal function is improved, but the branches and trunk may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetree removal functionVSAvoiddamage to branches and trunk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the toppling function from the device by removing the heavy-duty tip designed for forcing tree tops into the ground. Instead, the device focuses solely on cutting roots and separating the root ball, leaving the toppling action to be performed by other means that are more suitable for preserving tree integrity during transplantation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the sequence and method of tree removal by cutting roots first to separate the root ball, rather than toppling the tree first. This reversed approach prevents damage to branches and trunk that would occur during forced toppling, while still achieving effective tree removal for transplantation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Device complexity

If the knife element is fixed in position, then the device structure is simplified, but it cannot accommodate close tree spacing or avoid trunk engagement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoidaccommodation of close spacing

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the knife element oscillate horizontally rather than being fixed. This oscillating motion allows the knife to navigate through close spacing between trees and adjust its cutting path dynamically, preventing engagement with tree trunks while maintaining cutting effectiveness in dense nursery environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9363955B2Tree removal device

Publication Date: 2016.06.14 DESANTIS MICHAEL

AI summary

A combination of a tree removal device and working vehicle for coupling the device thereon such that the combination is arranged for slicing tree roots. The working vehicle has a front element which is pivotable relative to a frame of the vehicle about a lateral axis in front of a forward end of the frame. The tree removal device includes an attachment portion for coupling to the front element and a knife element having a blade portion. The blade portion has front and rear edges arranged for engaging the ground in respective forward and backward directions of movement of the vehicle which are sharpened so as to perform a cutting action in the respective direction of movement when the blade portion engages the ground. Furthermore, the knife element is pivotable relative to the attachment about an axis in a vertical plane that divides the vehicle into symmetrical halves.