Abstract:

In the context of the ever-expanding scale of the bamboo industry and the robust support from national policies, the demand for bamboo product processing has witnessed a substantial upsurge. The technological level of the bamboo splitting machine, as a pivotal piece of equipment for the primary processing of bamboo, plays a crucial role in determining the efficiency and quality of the industry’s development. To comprehensively understand its technological evolution, this study adopts the literature research approach to systematically review relevant theories and technical accomplishments. In the realm of theoretical research, scholars have focused on the physical and mechanical properties of bamboo, as well as explored the mechanics underlying bamboo splitting. Through in-depth exploration, they have uncovered the influence mechanisms of parameters such as splitting speed and blade angle on splitting quality, thereby laying a theoretical foundation for equipment research and development. At the technical application aspect, bamboo splitting machines have evolved into three major categories: manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic, successfully transitioning from manual operation to intelligent processing. Regarding key technologies, continuous optimization has been carried out in structural design. Adjustable knife discs and self-adaptive centering mechanisms have been developed, significantly enhancing the equipment’s adaptability to bamboos of various specifications. Breakthroughs have also been made in detection technology, enabling precise measurement of bamboo diameter by leveraging machine vision. Moreover, the control system has been upgraded to intelligence, establishing a closed-loop control system with the integration of programmable logic controllers and sensors. These technological advancements have markedly improved the processing efficiency and adaptability of bamboo splitting machines, offering reliable technical support for the automation of bamboo processing. Nevertheless, the current bamboo splitting machines still encounter several technical bottlenecks. For instance, the accuracy of bamboo diameter recognition remains insufficient, there exists a conflict between knife disc design and processing efficiency, the adaptability to complex bamboo is relatively weak, and the level of intelligence is limited. These issues pose challenges in meeting the requirements of large-scale and high-precision production. To further enhance the performance and adaptability of bamboo splitting machine technology and facilitate the high-quality development of the bamboo processing industry, the following key research directions for future bamboo splitting technology are proposed: 1) Given the diversity of bamboo's biomechanical properties, it is essential to deepen the research on the interaction mechanism between splitting force and bamboo structural parameters. A multi-factor coupling splitting theory model should be established to provide a scientific basis for the optimization design of equipment. 2) An intelligent bamboo recognition system grounded in deep learning, which is integrated with multi-spectral imaging and 3D point cloud technology, to achieve precise detection and adaptive positioning of features such as bamboo diameter and knots under complex working conditions. 3) It is necessary to innovate designs of the splitting mechanism, break through the structural constraints of traditional rotating knife discs, and develop composite cutting devices and dynamic adjustment systems, resolving the conflict between splitting efficiency and quality. 4) It is necessary to construct an intelligent production system for bamboo splitting machines, and integrate internet of things monitoring, big data analysis, and autonomous decision-making technologies to enable real-time monitoring of equipment status, dynamic optimization of process parameters, and intelligent management of the entire production process. These technological innovations are expected to drive bamboo splitting machines towards more intelligence, efficiency, and environmental friendliness. They will not only provide robust equipment support for the high-quality development of the bamboo processing industry but also offer novel technological pathways for the transformation and upgrading of China’s bamboo equipment manufacturing industry.

Key words: bamboo machinery, bamboo splitting machine, bamboo cutting machine, bamboo product processing, technological development, application status