Textile Hemp Harvesting With Parallel Swath Conveyors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing harvesting techniques for textile hemp result in shortened fibers, loss of seeds, and are labor-intensive or complex, failing to produce long fibers efficiently and manageably.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that cuts hemp stems at different heights, lays them parallel in swaths, and uses conveyor belts to rotate them horizontally for efficient drying and processing, allowing for uniform stem lengths and manageable swaths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If hemp is cut and bundled into long sheaves using traditional harvesting techniques, then the fibers maintain their original length, but the sheaves become unmanageable and risk breaking or folding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the long hemp stems into multiple shorter segments through simultaneous cutting at different heights. Multiple cutting bars positioned at various heights cut the hemp stems into manageable lengths (e.g., 50-150 cm) while maintaining the overall fiber continuity. This segmentation makes the harvested material handleable and suitable for further processing without excessive length that would cause breaking or folding.
2Ease of operation
If hemp is chopped into short pieces for efficient processing, then the sheaves become manageable, but the fibers are greatly shortened to just a few centimeters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating between the cutting action at different heights. The upper cutting bars create shorter segments for manageability, while the lower cutting bars preserve longer fiber sections. This localized variation in cutting length ensures that different parts of the hemp plant are processed according to their specific requirements, maintaining sufficient fiber length in the lower portions while making the upper portions manageable.
3Length of moving object
If complex machines with multiple cutting mechanisms are used to harvest hemp upright, then long fibers can be obtained, but the machine complexity increases and subjects it to machine failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining multiple cutting functions into a single integrated harvesting mechanism. Multiple cutting bars positioned at different heights are mounted on the same machine frame and operate simultaneously during a single pass through the hemp field. This consolidation achieves the fiber length preservation goal while avoiding the complexity and reliability issues of multiple separate machines or overly complex mechanisms.
4Device complexity
If hemp is cut at a single height, then the harvesting process is simple, but the stem parts cannot be optimally processed for both fiber and seed extraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the cutting heights adjustable rather than fixed. The cutting bars are positioned at different heights that can be modified based on the specific hemp variety, growth stage, and intended processing purpose. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same machine to optimize for fiber extraction, seed extraction, or combined purposes without requiring multiple specialized machines, thus providing versatility while maintaining operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods of harvesting textile hemp are presented. The methods comprise mowing the hemp and wherein the cut stems are held between crossed conveyor belts and then rotated 90° from vertical to horizontal, taken over one or more times by other belts, to be deposited in parallel swaths on the field.