Invention entitled ‘Working unit of an automatic machine for planting trees with a covered root system’ (Pat.243871/P.432333)

Description:

The technology refers to the working unit of an automatic machine for planting trees with a covered root system. The essence of the solution lies is that there are, in sequence, a tree planting site preparation tool, a planting unit and a kneading element attached to the frame. The planting site preparation tool is fixed via a control arm and actuator, and allows adjustment of the position and clamping force. This makes it possible to expose the ground and create a planting site with the dimensions required by forestry technology.

The kneading element, in the form of 2 rolling wheels, is also mounted via its own control arms and actuators, which allow independent adjustment of the position and clamping force of each wheel. The main element of the planting unit is a cylindrical tree planting bar with two swivelling jaws. During the passage, the planting site is prepared first, then the planting bar with the seedling inside is pushed into the ground,where the jaws are opened. As a results of this procedure the seedling falls and remains in the ground. The planting bar with the jaws opened is pulled out of the ground. In the final stage, the seedling is firmed in the ground with the assistance of the kneading wheels.

Benefits:

• the possibility of continuous operation of the working unit,
• the possibility of working in difficult forest conditions,
• the possibility of adapting the technology as an agricultural tractor attachment – no need for additional handling of the planting unit,
• the possibility of adapting the technology to an autonomous vehicle – full automation of the process.

Status of legal protection:

The technology consists of patent Pat.243871 granted by the Patent Office of the Republic of Poland, in force from December 20, 2019.

Property rights to the invention are held by: Łukasiewicz Research Network – Poznań Institute of Technology and Hugo Kołłątaj Agricultural University in Kraków.

Contact person:

Marek Szychta

Główny specjalista ds. konstrukcji maszyn rolniczych i leśnych
Grupa Badawcza Konstrukcji

Tel.: +48 514 796 358

E-mail: marek.szychta@pit.lukasiewicz.gov.pl