Sapling Gripping Head with Segmented Forks for Precision Transplanting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current sapling gripping heads for transplanters are inefficient in picking and releasing saplings with precision and accuracy at high operating speeds, which can damage saplings and affect their quality and survival rates.

Innovation Solution

A sapling gripping head with a support frame and a sliding frame, equipped with a plurality of gripping units each comprising a first fork and a second fork, operated by a linear solenoid actuator and a controller to achieve precise gripping and release of saplings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a traditional sapling gripping head is used, then the structure is simple, but the precision and accuracy of picking and releasing saplings at high operating speeds deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of picking and releasing saplingsVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping head is divided into multiple independent gripping units, each capable of individually gripping and releasing saplings. This segmentation allows precise control of each unit while maintaining overall system functionality, resolving the contradiction between precision and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The gripping units are designed with movable components that can dynamically adjust their position and gripping force. This dynamic capability enables precise sapling handling at high speeds while keeping the overall structure relatively simple through motion-based control rather than complex mechanical linkages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If high operating speeds are used, then productivity increases, but sapling quality and survival rates deteriorate due to damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating speedVSAvoidsapling damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical gripping systems with a more refined mechanism that uses controlled movement and positioning rather than pure mechanical force. This substitution allows high-speed operation while minimizing damage to fragile saplings through smoother, more controlled actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The gripping mechanism incorporates adjustable parameters such as gripping force, movement speed, and positioning accuracy that can be optimized for high-speed operation. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system maintains sapling integrity while achieving high productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If multiple saplings are gripped simultaneously, then productivity increases, but the complexity of controlling multiple gripping units deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of saplings grippedVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple gripping units are merged into a single integrated gripping head assembly that operates as a coordinated system. This merging allows simultaneous gripping of multiple saplings while sharing common control elements and structural support, reducing overall control complexity compared to independent systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The gripping units are designed with universal characteristics, allowing them to perform the same gripping function simultaneously. This multi-functionality enables handling multiple saplings at once while using standardized components and control mechanisms, simplifying the overall control system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The sapling gripping head effectively grips and releases saplings with precision, reducing damage and ensuring high sapling quality and survival rates, while allowing for efficient operation at high speeds.

Implementation Method 1

The actuation mechanism further comprises a biasing member that biases the sliding frame against the support frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The actuation mechanism may be a linear solenoid actuator and a controller

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolenoid: Solenoid

Data Source

PatentUS20250042044A1Sapling gripping head

Publication Date: 2025.02.06 DEERE & CO

AI summary

A sapling gripping head for a transplanter. The sapling gripping head is attached to sapling retrieval apparatus and comprises a support frame and a sliding frame, slidably coupled to each other. A plurality of gripping units are placed along the length of the gripping head. Each of the gripping units comprises of a first fork and a second fork. An actuation mechanism is provided to actuate the gripping head. Each of the first forks is attached to the support frame and each of the second forks is attached to the sliding frame. The sliding frame is configured to slide relative to the support frame via the actuation mechanism.