Biomimetic Rotary Tillage Blade Design for Reduced Torque and Energy Requirement

Abstract

A rotary cultivator is a primary cultivating machine in many countries. However, it is always challenged by high operating torque and power requirement. To address this issue, biomimetic rotary tillage blades were designed in this study for reduced torque and energy requirement based on the geometric characteristics (GC) of five fore claws of mole rats, including the contour curves of the five claw tips (GC-1) and the structural characteristics of the multiclaw combination (GC-2). Herein, the optimal blade was selected by considering three factors: (1) the ratio ( r ) of claw width to lateral spacing, (2) the inclined angle ( θ ) of the multiclaw combination, and (3) the rotary speed ( n ) through the soil bin tests. The results showed that the order of influence of factors on torque was n , r , and θ ; the optimal combination of factors with the minimal torque was r = 1.25 , θ = 60 ° , and n = 240 rpm . Furthermore, the torque of the optimal blade (BB-1) was studied by comparing with a conventional (CB) and a reported optimal biomimetic blade (BB-2) in the soil bin at the rotary speed from 160 to 320 rpm. Results showed that BB-1 and BB-2 averagely reduced the torque by 13.99% and 3.74% compared with CB, respectively. The field experiment results also showed the excellent soil-cutting performance of BB-1 whose average torques were largely reduced by 17.00%, 16.88%, and 21.80% compared with CB at different rotary speeds, forward velocities, and tillage depths, respectively. It was found that the geometric structure of the five claws of mole rats could not only enhance the penetrating and sliding cutting performance of the cutting edge of BB-1 but also diminish the soil failure wedge for minimizing soil shear resistance of BB-1. Therefore, the GC of five fore claws of mole rats could inspire the development of efficient tillage or digging tools for reducing soil resistance and energy consumption.

Biomimetic tool design improves tillage efficiency, seedbed quality, and straw incorporation during rototilling in conservation farming

“…During soil engagement, the curves and crests on the biomimetic rotary tiller blades enhanced penetration and cutting into the soil with minimal resistance, thus the reduced torque and specific power requirements. Similar observations were made by Yang et al (2021), who experimented on a blade with simulated five profile curves of the mole rat's claws. In addition, the bionic modifications on the tool improved stress distribution on the soil cutting surfaces, thus optimising its structural capability (Guo et al, 2009).…”

“…They realised that the biomimetic blades required lower torque than the universal blade. Yang et al (2021) simulated the convex contour curves of the five claws of a mole rat on biomimetic rotary tiller blades. They revealed that the geometrical structure of the five foreclaws reduced the torque requirements during soil-cutting by up to 13.99%.…”

Effect of Geometrical and Operational Parameters on Performance Dynamics of Modified Rotary Blades: A DEM-Based Investigation

“…al. 4 also reported that an increase in the operating depth leads to an increase in the torque requirement, which in turn results in an increase in the power requirement.…”

“…al. 4 developed rotary tillage blades inspired by the geometric attributes of the ve foreclaws of mole rats, aiming to minimize torque and energy requirements. They discovered that bioinspired blades required less torque than conventional blades.…”

Simulation Analysis and Optimization Design of Paddy Field Mud Spreader Blades for Uniform Dispersion

“…Scholars have extensively researched the operational performance of blades used in agricultural machinery in soil environments. Some researchers have explored altering particle trajectories by designing blades of different shapes to influence the movement of soil particles along predetermined paths [12][13][14][15]. Others have investigated the cutting and scattering processes of blades to uncover underlying patterns of particle motion [16][17][18][19][20].…”