Robotic Arm Height Adjustment for Maize Panicle Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanical castration systems for maize seed production are inefficient, as they struggle to accurately adjust the cutting height of maize panicles, leading to incomplete removal and increased labor costs due to manual corrections, and often damage the plant by removing leaves along with the panicles.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system with a tool-carrying arm and plant height measuring sensor, connected to a handling arm on an agricultural vehicle, calculates and adjusts the cutting height for each row individually, using light curtains or stereoscopic imaging to ensure precise panicle removal without excess plant material loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual visual control of cutting height is used, then the system is simple to operate, but the cutting precision and accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual control with automated optical measurement systems (light curtains, stereoscopic cameras) and electronic control. The measuring sensors detect plant height and the controller automatically adjusts cutting tool position, substituting human visual estimation with precise electronic measurement and control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-adjustment of cutting height through automated feedback control. The measuring sensors continuously monitor plant height and the controller automatically positions the cutting tools without requiring manual intervention, allowing the system to service itself during operation.
2Productivity
If simultaneous cutting of multiple rows is performed, then productivity increases, but cutting quality deteriorates due to driver reactivity limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cutting system into multiple independently controlled cutting units, each with its own measuring sensors and control signals. This allows each row to be measured and cut independently with precise height control, while the overall system maintains high productivity by processing multiple rows simultaneously through parallel operation of segmented units.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts cutting height for each row based on real-time plant height measurements. The cutting tools can move independently in the vertical direction to adapt to varying plant heights in different rows, enabling precise cutting across multiple rows simultaneously without being constrained by fixed positioning.
3Extent of automation
If mechanical castration is performed with current systems, then panicle removal is automated, but plant damage occurs due to leaf removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different functional qualities to different parts of the cutting system. The cutting tools are designed with selective cutting capabilities that target only the panicle region while preserving the leaves. The system uses localized measurement and control to distinguish between panicle tissue and leaf tissue, applying cutting force only where needed to remove the panicle without damaging the leaves.
4Reliability
If manual correction of incomplete panicle removal is performed, then purity standards are met, but labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control where measuring sensors continuously monitor the cutting process and plant characteristics. The controller uses this feedback information to automatically adjust cutting parameters and verify complete panicle removal, ensuring purity standards are met without requiring manual inspection and correction, thereby eliminating the time loss associated with manual rework.
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
This system improves the accuracy and efficiency of panicle removal, reducing manual corrections and minimizing plant damage, thereby increasing machine rate of advance and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
The plant height measuring sensor is configured to measure a position of the plant along a vertical direction by means of a light curtain
Implementation Method 2
The plant height measuring sensor is configured to measure a position of the plant along a vertical direction by means of a stereoscopic imaging system
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic system for use in agriculture includes at least one tool-holding arm to hold an agricultural tool and capable of being controlled to enable the agricultural tool to be raised or lowered, a sensor for measuring the height of crops, and a computer to determine a set value for controlling the at least one tool-holding arm on the basis of measurements taken by the sensor for measuring the crop height. The tool-holding arm is connected to a connection member such that it can be mounted on a control arm provided on an agricultural vehicle. The computer can determine a set value for controlling the control arm to enable the tool-holding arm to be raised or lowered on the basis of measurements taken by the sensor for measuring the crop height.