UV-Embedded Lawn Mower Blade for Turf Pathogen Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling turf-based pathogens rely on harsh chemical treatments that can harm the environment, whereas there is a need for an effective and environmentally friendly solution to reduce pathogens without harming plants or leaving chemical residues.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize UV emitting technology, specifically embedding UV emitting devices in lawn mower blades or handheld devices to deliver UV light to turf, foliage, or shrubs, reducing pathogens while cutting and protecting operators from UV radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If harsh chemical treatments are used to control turf-based pathogens, then pathogen control effectiveness is improved, but environmental harm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical treatments with a physical system using UV-emitting devices mounted on lawn mower blades. The UV radiation mechanically/physically destroys pathogen DNA without introducing chemical substances into the environment, thereby maintaining pathogen control effectiveness while eliminating environmental harm associated with chemical residues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of pathogen control from chemical concentration to UV radiation dosage. By controlling the intensity and duration of UV exposure through device placement on moving blades, the system achieves effective pathogen control through physical energy parameters rather than chemical parameters, avoiding environmental contamination
2Object-affected harmful factors
If UV light is used to reduce pathogens, then environmental friendliness is improved, but pathogen reduction effectiveness may be insufficient without proper delivery mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the UV-emitting device with the existing lawn mower blade system, making the cutting tool serve dual functions: mechanical grass cutting and UV pathogen sterilization. This multi-functionality ensures that the UV treatment is applied uniformly across all cut surfaces, guaranteeing effective pathogen reduction while maintaining environmental friendliness
Solution Approach 2:
The UV-emitting devices are positioned on the blades to expose pathogens to UV radiation before or during the cutting process. This preliminary exposure ensures that pathogens on grass surfaces are inactivated prior to or during cutting, maximizing pathogen reduction effectiveness while maintaining the environmental benefits of UV treatment
3Reliability
If UV emitting devices are embedded in lawn mower blades, then pathogen control during cutting is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the UV sterilization function with the existing mechanical cutting function by embedding UV-emitting devices directly into the lawn mower blade assembly. This integration combines two separate functions (cutting and sterilization) into a single unified device, improving pathogen control during cutting while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity through consolidation rather than addition
4Reliability
If chemical treatments are used, then pathogen control is effective, but chemical residues harm the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes chemical pathogen control mechanisms with a physical UV radiation system. The UV-emitting devices on lawn mower blades deliver targeted UV doses that destroy pathogen DNA through photodissociation, achieving effective pathogen control without generating any chemical residues that could harm the environment
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 UV light effectively reduces pathogens by up to 99% without harming plants, providing an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical treatments and minimizing residual chemical impact on the environment.
Implementation Method 1
UV light kills organisms by damaging the DNA. UV radiation disrupts the chemical bonds that hold the atoms of DNA together in the microorganism.
Implementation Method 2
UV radiation disrupts the chemical bonds that hold the atoms of DNA together in the microorganism. If the damage is severe enough, the microorganisms cannot repair the damage and will die.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for reducing the total number of pathogens of one or more pathogen living in turf. This invention provides a number of devices to safely deliver the UV light to plants. In one embodiment, the device is made of a plurality of UV emitting devices imbedded in a face of a stationary bed knife blade. The plurality of UV emitting devices forming an arc of substantially continuous UV coverage. This modified bed-knife can be incorporated into a lawn mower to provide UV radiation, while at the same time cutting the turf.