Weed Separation Device with Variable Height Discharge Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing herb separating devices have high power requirements and inadequate herb removal efficiency, often depositing herb on the fruits to be harvested, especially when the amount of herb is large.
Innovation Solution
The herb separating device increases the distance of the upper guide element from the cutting plane as the discharge channel extends, allowing for a gradual increase in discharge channel height and cross-section, which enhances airflow and ensures efficient removal of herb without residue, even at higher speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the discharge channel height is increased to improve airflow and haulm removal capacity, then the discharge capacity increases, but the device complexity and design effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent increases the discharge channel height in the vertical dimension to improve airflow and haulm removal capacity. By extending the discharge channel vertically upward from the cutting plane, the design creates additional space for airflow development without increasing the horizontal footprint, thus improving productivity while maintaining a relatively simple horizontal structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge channel height is designed to vary dynamically along its length, being greatest at the discharge end and decreasing toward the cutting plane. This dynamic height variation optimizes airflow patterns differentially across the channel, creating conditions that enhance haulm removal efficiency while avoiding the need for uniformly complex structures throughout.
2Productivity
If the separating elements rotate at high peripheral speed to improve cutting efficiency, then the flow velocity in the discharge channel increases, but the power requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes pneumatic principles by allowing the high-speed rotating separating elements to generate airflow that carries the cut haulm through the discharge channel. The kinetic energy from rotation is converted into pneumatic flow that performs the dual function of conveying debris and creating negative pressure to draw in additional air, reducing the need for separate powered ventilation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The separating elements serve multiple functions: they cut the haulm, generate the airflow needed to convey the debris, and create the negative pressure to draw air through the discharge channel. This self-service approach means the cutting elements themselves provide the pneumatic power needed for debris removal without requiring additional powered components.
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
This design achieves a higher discharge capacity with minimal design changes, ensuring that large quantities of herb can be removed without leaving residue, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the herb separation process.
Implementation Method 1
The separating elements operate at a peripheral speed of at least 90 m/s. The separating elements preferably have a radius of at least 300 mm or 375 mm. This results in a flow velocity of up to 70 m/s in the discharge channel.
Implementation Method 2
The separating elements are specifically designed to cut the foliage 5 to 10 cm above the soil surface or the fruit. The separating elements preferably each comprise a guide section extending upwards from the cutting edge, opposite to the direction of rotation, to create a partially upward airflow for conveying the cut foliage.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a haulm separating device for separating the haulm from crops such as onions. The haulm separating device comprises at least one first rotating device configured for rotation about a first axis of rotation and having at least one separating element that rotates during operation in a cutting plane orthogonal to the first axis of rotation. Additionally, the haulm separating device comprises at least one second rotating device arranged adjacent to the first rotating device, which is configured for rotation about a second axis of rotation and has at least one separating element that rotates during operation. Furthermore, the haulm separating device has a discharge channel extending along the axes of rotation in a horizontal direction for removing the haulm, which is bounded at the top by an upper guide element.According to the invention, the distance of the upper guide element from the cutting plane increases at least section by section with the extension of the discharge channel in the discharge direction.