Invention entitled “Active weeder unit for removing weeds in the plant row of a wide-row crop, in particular maize” (Pat.244767/P.440035)

Description:

The active weeder unit is an innovative solution in precision agriculture, designed for effectively removing weeds around row crops such as maize. This technology emphasizes precision and efficiency, eliminating weeds without risking damage to the crops. It utilizes spring-loaded fingers with knife tips, which are mounted to a drive mechanism via a disc. The disc’s axis of rotation is parallel to the ground, and its deviation from the crop row axis can be adjusted through a pivot node within an angle range of 0° to 10°. What makes this system unique is the adjustable position of the fingers, allowing precise adaptation of the weeder’s action to the current location and speed of the machine, as well as the position of the plants in the row. A vision system aids in plant identification, while the drive mechanism can be hydraulic or electric, offering flexibility in adapting to various machine systems.

Benefits:

• Increased precision in weed removal – the precise adjustment of the tool’s action to the position of the plants minimizes the risk of damaging the crops.
• Flexibility of use in both traditional and precision farming, with adaptability to a wide range of machine types,
• Time and resource savings – automation of the crop maintenance process reduces the need for manual labor.
• Reduced environmental impact – effective mechanical weed removal lowers the reliance on herbicides, promoting environmentally friendly farming practices.
• Enhanced crop productivity – maintaining clean rows promotes better growth and development of crops, leading to higher yields.
• Ease of use and maintenance – the system’s simple design allows for easy operation and quick diagnosis of any technical issues.

Status of legal protection:

The technology consists of patent Pat.244767 granted by the Patent Office of the Republic of Poland, in force from 30 December 2021.

Property rights to the invention are held by: Łukasiewicz Research Network – Poznań Institute of Technology and UNIA Ltd.

Contact person:

Jacek Wojciechowski

Lider obszaru – Zastępca Kierownika Grupy Badawczej Elektrotechniki, Automatyki i Robotyki
Grupa Badawcza Elektrotechniki, Automatyki i Robotyki

Tel.: +48 662 098 351

E-mail: jacek.wojciechowski@pit.lukasiewicz.gov.pl