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Development of a novel mechatronic system for mechanical weed ...

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Results and discussion<br />

During the experiments it was observed that the soil type, previous tillage,<br />

roughness <strong>of</strong> the soil surface, soil humidity, <strong>for</strong>ward speed <strong>of</strong> the carrier,<br />

rotational speed <strong>of</strong> the hoeing tool, number <strong>of</strong> arms, as also the hoeing depth<br />

have significant influence on the torque. There was no possibility to draw<br />

general conclusion because <strong>of</strong> a high number <strong>of</strong> varying parameters. Hence, a<br />

case with worst condition was chosen to ensure that the resulting prototype will<br />

be able to work in all conditions. For rotational speed <strong>of</strong> uhmax=100 rpm, <strong>for</strong>ward<br />

speed around 2m/s, arm lengths <strong>of</strong> 550 mm and average hoeing depth 5 cm the<br />

torque value does not exceeded the value <strong>of</strong> Mhmaxexp= 600 Nm. According to<br />

this worst case experiment <strong>for</strong> the selection <strong>of</strong> the motor 350 Nm as a nominal<br />

value was taken.<br />

The impact <strong>of</strong> the rotational speed to the level <strong>of</strong> damage caused to the <strong>weed</strong>s<br />

was observed, as an additional important fact, during the field experiments. It<br />

was observed that <strong>for</strong> arm lengths <strong>of</strong> 550 mm with implemented duckfoot<br />

knives, a rotational speed <strong>of</strong> 30 rpm provides enough energy to cut the <strong>weed</strong>s.<br />

Higher rotational speed over 80 rpm can originate throwing <strong>of</strong> the soil particles<br />

from the row towards the neighbouring row. For another type <strong>of</strong> direct <strong>weed</strong>ing<br />

implement different from the duckfoot knives, higher speed could be applied<br />

because <strong>of</strong> the reduced contact between the tool and the soil surface. Taking<br />

into consideration all the above mentioned facts <strong>for</strong> a nominal value <strong>of</strong> the<br />

rotational speed uhn=60 rpm were used in calculations.<br />

5.3.2 Calculation and selection <strong>of</strong> the motor and<br />

transmission combination<br />

To make an appropriate selection <strong>of</strong> the motor/transmission combination it is<br />

necessary to know the required power, speed range and the operating point <strong>of</strong><br />

the torque <strong>for</strong> the <strong>system</strong> in typical working conditions. Usually the smallest,<br />

lightest and most inexpensive motor that meets the requirements will be<br />

chosen. As the motor is intended to be implemented on a first prototype <strong>of</strong> the<br />

<strong>weed</strong>ing tool applicable in laboratory condition, the type <strong>of</strong> the power supply<br />

required by motor was not a limiting factor.<br />

89

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