Thorn Extractor Roller-Screen Collection for Preventing Seed Regrowth

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for removing and collecting thorny seeds, such as those from goathead weeds, are inefficient, time-consuming, and often fail to completely eliminate future weed growth due to the dispersal of surviving seeds, and existing devices are expensive and not widely available for individual use.

Innovation Solution

A thorn extractor apparatus comprising a frame with a roller and screen system that collects thorny seeds, which can be operated manually or automatically, featuring a collection bin and optional vacuum assembly for efficient seed removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If burning or spraying methods are used to remove goathead weeds, then the weed growth is inhibited, but the thorny seeds remain on the ground and can cause future growth

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of weed removalVSAvoidremaining thorny seeds

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes thorny seeds from the ground surface using a mechanical collection system with rollers and screens that physically separate and collect the seeds, preventing them from remaining on the ground after treatment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary collection of thorny seeds before they can germinate and cause future weed growth, addressing the seed removal issue proactively rather than reactively after the weeds have grown

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If manual collection of thorny seeds is performed, then some seeds can be removed, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseed collection effectivenessVSAvoidtime required for collection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical collection with an automated mechanical system using rollers, screens, and collection bins that continuously gather thorny seeds without human intervention, significantly reducing the time required for seed collection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If existing thorn removal devices are used, then thorny seeds can be collected, but the devices are expensive and not widely available for individual use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethorn collection capabilityVSAvoidavailability and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs inexpensive, readily available materials such as standard rollers, mesh screens, and simple collection bins that can be manufactured at low cost and made accessible to individual users, eliminating the need for expensive specialized equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS20250255228A1Thorn extractor apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.08.14 BURZ LLC

AI summary

A thorn extractor apparatus has a frame, a roller, a screen that surrounds the roller, and a collection bin for receiving the thorny seeds. The frame includes a first and second side member, frame couplers, and a plurality of horizontal beams. The roller and screen work together to pick up and convey the thorny seeds to the collection bin to be discarded. The thorn extractor apparatus may feature a plurality of rollers coupled to a plurality of screens. The thorn extractor apparatus may also feature a vacuum, a kickstand, added weights, and a hitch mechanism configured to be pulled by a vehicle. Two or more frames may be coupled together in sequence to multiply the number of rollers clearing the ground of thorny seeds. The thorn extractor apparatus, in some examples, may feature an automatic drive system or be couplable to a vehicle.