Robotic Hoe Arm for Precision Weed Removal Around Crops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural weed removal systems on autonomous robots are either chemically oriented, which is inefficient in targeting specific plants, or mechanically oriented, which are large, cumbersome, and difficult to operate without damaging desired crops or disturbing excessive soil.
Innovation Solution
A weed removal system integrated with an agricultural vehicle, featuring a robotic arm with a pivotable implement such as a circular hoe, allowing for precise targeting and removal of weeds while minimizing soil disturbance and avoiding desired plants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If chemical spray methods are used for weed removal, then broad coverage is achieved, but specific plant targeting capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the field into individual plant targets and applies treatment selectively to each weed based on sensor identification, rather than treating the entire area uniformly with chemical spray
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces chemical spray mechanisms with a mechanical robotic arm equipped with a circular hoe tool that physically removes weeds through controlled soil cutting and plant extraction
2Productivity
If large mechanical weed removal systems are used, then weed elimination capability is improved, but device size and complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential weeding function from large mechanical systems, using a compact robotic arm with a small circular hoe tool that performs weed removal without requiring bulky hydraulic or electrical motor assemblies
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm provides dynamic, controlled movement to position the circular hoe precisely at each weed location, enabling effective weed removal with a much smaller tool than static mechanical systems would require
3Productivity
If mechanical weed removal tools are used, then weed elimination is achieved, but soil disturbance area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circular hoe tool is designed to concentrate soil cutting and weed removal action into a very small localized area around each individual weed, rather than disturbing large swathes of soil across the field
Solution Approach 2:
The system treats each weed as a separate target and applies mechanical removal action only to the immediate vicinity of each plant, segmenting the overall weeding process into discrete localized operations
4Productivity
If mechanical weed removal systems are used, then weed elimination is achieved, but desired plant damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces indiscriminate mechanical weed removal with sensor-guided targeted action, where optical or other sensors identify weeds versus crops before the robotic arm applies removal force only to the unwanted plants
Solution Approach 2:
The circular hoe tool applies mechanical action locally and precisely at the weed location, with the robotic arm controlling the tool to avoid contact with desired plants through accurate positioning and selective engagement
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for efficient targeting or removal of weeds or other plants. The apparatus may include a vehicle having a frame, a motor and a plurality of ground engaging members adapted to propel the vehicle over a surface. It may also include a robotic arm comprising a distal portion and a proximal portion coupled to the frame, and an implement, such as a tool or hoe connected to the distal portion of the robotic arm. The implement can be raised and lowered, and also moved relative to the surface by the robotic arm by pivoting or rotating the robotic arm at or near the proximal portion.