Design of the star-shaped tip pruning device for broad-leaved tall-stemmed crops based on UAV payload and optimization of its operation parameters

Authors

  • Lianhao Li 1. College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
  • Guozhen Ma 1. College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
  • Xiaoyong Liu 1. College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
  • Chenhui Zhu 1. College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
  • Qiantao Sun 2. Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences Changyuan Branch, Changyuan 453400, China
  • Weihua Qin 3. Henan Province Tobacco Company Sanmenxia City Company, Sanmenxia 472099, Henan, China
  • Zhimin Jia 4. School of Intelligent Mechatronics Engineering, Zhongyuan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450002, China
  • Zhijing Wen 4. School of Intelligent Mechatronics Engineering, Zhongyuan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450002, China

Abstract

In mountainous and hilly areas, the tip pruning and flower removal operations for broad-leaved tall-stemmed plants are labor-intensive tasks. It is vital for reducing labor costs of broad-leaved tall-stemmed plants to mechanize this operation. To deal with this problem, a tip pruning device which utilizes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) as a carrier to autonomously locate and target broad-leaved tall-stemmed plants is designed in this paper. Firstly, the primary mechanical properties of broad-leaved tall-stemmed plants at full bloom are explored, laying the groundwork for subsequent device design (tobacco is the primary crop studied). Then, the shape and key parameters of the cutting tool for the UAV-mounted tip pruning device, as well as the key parameters of the rhomboid retractable component, are defined based on dynamic analysis, which satisfy demand for the tip pruning device operation. Finally, an adaptive control system for the tip pruning device is developed. The optimization experiments of operational parameters indicate that when the UAV travels at a speed of 0.8 m/s and the tip pruning blade rotates at 1200 r/min, the tip pruning integrity rate exceeds 98.2%, which shows excellent operational performance and the ability to meet actual production demands. This study has significant implications for improving the mechanization and intelligence of tip pruning and flower picking operations in high stem plants.      

Keywords: broad-leaved tall-stemmed plants; tip pruning device; star-type; terminal bud; unmanned aerial vehicle

DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20261901.9863

Citation: Li L H, Ma G Z, Liu X Y, Zhu C H, Sun Q T, Qin W H, et al. Design of the star-shaped tip pruning device for broad-leaved tall-stemmed crops based on UAV payload and optimization of its operation parameters. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2026;19(1): 108–119.

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Published

2026-03-16

How to Cite

(1)
Li, L.; Ma, G.; Liu, X.; Zhu, C.; Sun, Q.; Qin, W.; Jia, Z.; Wen , Z. Design of the Star-Shaped Tip Pruning Device for Broad-Leaved Tall-Stemmed Crops Based on UAV Payload and Optimization of Its Operation Parameters. Int J Agric & Biol Eng 2026, 19.

Issue

Vol. 19 No. 1 (2026): IJABE

Section

Power and Machinery Systems

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