Removable Sugarcane Cutting Head with Hinged Claws
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sugar cane cutting and topping devices are heavy and inflexible, making them unsuitable for small, irregularly shaped farms with steep slopes and uneven terrain, requiring manual harvesting that is labor-intensive and costly.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, removable cutting and topping device mounted on an articulated arm actuated by a hydraulic circuit, allowing for greater maneuverability and compatibility with smaller vehicles, featuring clamping and cutting mechanisms that can operate independently and adapt to various terrain conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If heavy agricultural machines are used for cutting and topping sugar cane, then the cutting and topping operation can be performed, but the device cannot operate on steep slopes and uneven terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components: the articulated arm provides positioning and support, while the cutting head with rotating blade performs the cutting operation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, resulting in a lighter overall device that can operate on steep slopes.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated arm acts as an intermediary between the vehicle and the cutting head, providing hydraulic actuation and positioning capability. This mediator allows the cutting head to reach difficult terrain while the vehicle remains stable, effectively decoupling the weight requirements from the cutting operation.
2Productivity
If heavy agricultural machinery is used, then cutting and topping can be performed, but the ground sinks or settles due to heavy weight
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses hydraulic actuation from the vehicle's existing hydraulic system rather than carrying heavy power sources. The articulated arm leverages the vehicle's hydraulic power, effectively counterbalancing the weight issue by using the vehicle's own power infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical power transmission system is replaced with hydraulic actuation. The hydraulic system provides sufficient cutting power without the mechanical weight of engines and drive trains, reducing ground impact while maintaining productivity.
3Extent of automation
If complex agricultural machines are used for cutting and topping, then the operation can be automated, but the device lacks maneuverability on small farms
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses the vehicle's existing hydraulic system and control mechanisms, making it compatible with various vehicle types. The articulated arm and cutting head can perform multiple operations (cutting, topping, positioning) using the same hydraulic infrastructure, providing automation without adding complex dedicated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated arm provides dynamic positioning capability with multiple degrees of freedom, allowing the cutting head to adapt to varying terrain and crop positions. This dynamic structure maintains automation while improving maneuverability compared to rigid heavy machinery.
4Volume of moving object
If removable attachment means are used, then the device takes up less space and can be secured to small vehicles, but the attachment mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is segmented into standardized mounting points on the articulated arm that interface with corresponding receptacles on the cutting head. This segmentation allows for easy assembly and disassembly while keeping each component's attachment interface simple and standardized.
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
Enables efficient cutting and topping of sugar cane on challenging terrain with reduced ground compaction and increased visibility, allowing for harvesting in plots with steep slopes and uneven ground, improving operational efficiency and reducing manual labor costs.
Implementation Method 1
a device for cutting and topping sugar cane intended to be fixed on an agricultural or public works vehicle, more particularly a vehicle equipped with an articulated arm actuated through a hydraulic circuit
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a removable sugarcane cutting and topping device (1) including means (2) for removably attaching same to the head of a pivoted arm (3) in the form of a one-piece frame (4) having receiving means (5) with a complementary shape to means provided on the arm (3), such as pins (6), said frame (4) being solidly connected to cane-cutting means (7). The invention is characterised in that the cutting means (7) include: (i) cane-clasping means (8) in the form of at least two hinged claws (12) which can move from an open position to a closed position and which are shaped to overlap at least partially to form a cane-clasping space, and (ii) at least one blade (9) for cutting the sugarcane clasped in said space.