Multi-Row Weed Control Machine With Airflow-Assisted Row Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical weed control methods struggle to effectively differentiate between crops and weeds, particularly in advanced growth stages, leading to crop damage and inefficiencies in both conventional and organic farming.
Innovation Solution
A multi-row weed control machine that integrates penetrating and non-penetrating tools, utilizing airflow to capture weeds based on plant length, with adjustable cutting elements and steerable wheels for precise operation, especially suitable for row crops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If penetrating weed control tools are used between crop rows, then weed control effectiveness is improved, but crop damage risk increases in advanced growth stages when plants touch
Solution Approach 1:
The machine divides weed control into two separate functional modules: penetrating tools for inter-row areas and non-penetrating cutting elements for intra-row areas. This segmentation allows each tool type to operate in its optimal zone without causing crop damage, resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
Different weed control methods are applied to different spatial locations: penetrating tools are used only in inter-row spaces where crops are absent, while non-penetrating cutting elements are used within rows where crops grow. This local differentiation eliminates crop damage while maintaining weed control effectiveness.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If non-penetrating cutting elements are used within crop rows, then crop damage is reduced, but weed control effectiveness decreases for tall weeds
Solution Approach 1:
A fan-generated airflow system is integrated with the cutting elements to create an air current that lifts tall weeds upward before they reach the cutting zone. This pneumatic assistance ensures that even tall weeds are effectively captured and cut by the non-penetrating elements, maintaining weed control effectiveness while avoiding crop damage.
3Device complexity
If a single weed control method is used for both inter-row and intra-row areas, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different growth stages decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The machine integrates multiple weed control functions into a single device: penetrating tools for inter-row areas, non-penetrating cutting elements for intra-row areas, and airflow generation for tall weed control. This multi-functionality allows the machine to adapt to different growth stages and spatial requirements without requiring separate devices.
4Reliability
If airflow is added to the cutting process to capture tall weeds, then weed control effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting elements themselves generate airflow through their rotation, eliminating the need for a separate powered fan system. The kinetic energy of the rotating cutting elements is converted into useful airflow that lifts tall weeds, making the system self-sufficient and reducing additional energy consumption.
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
Effectively controls weeds without damaging crops by adjusting to crop height, minimizing damage, and optimizing weed removal efficiency across varying growth stages.
Implementation Method 1
a airflow is generated in addition to the cutting action, which draws the plants upwards before the cutting process is carried out
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a multirow machine for mechanically controlling weeds in gardens or agricultural fields. The problem addressed by the present invention is that of providing a powerful machine for mechanically controlling weeds in gardens or agricultural fields, which machine integrates elements (10) which penetrate into the ground with elements which do not penetrate into the ground and, for the controlling process that does not penetrate, improves (4) the distinguishing quality on the basis of the physiological feature of plant length by integrating an airflow into the cutting process. This is provided by a weed-control machine for processing row crops, the machine comprising: at least one shaft, which rotates about a horizontal axis lying transversely to the travel direction and has cutting elements fastened to the radius, which shaft is active during the work process, at least over the crop rows; at least two weed-control tools, which penetrate into the ground and are situated in the row gap (23) during the work process; running gear, which has wheels or tracks (8) and operates in the row gap during the work process and supports the weed-control machine over the cultivated areas; also fitted with at least one height-adjustment device for the weed-control tools which penetrate into the ground and at least one height-adjustment device for the rotating shaft having cutting elements, wherein the height adjustments are combined such that the working height of the shaft having cutting elements and the working depth of the weed-control tools which penetrate into the ground are independently adjustable (6, 12).