Cylindrical protective clamp for plant trunks in coffee harvesting machines.

Description

/ 6 Cylindrical protective clamp for plant trunks in coffee harvesting machines. Field of invention

[001] The present utility model belongs to the agricultural mechanization sector, more specifically to the field of equipment and auxiliary devices applied in harvesting machines intended for harvesting coffee and other similar grain crops. The invention relates to mechanical protection components, designed to reduce physical damage to plants during the mechanized harvesting process. Fundamentals of the invention

[002] State of the art: Currently, mechanized coffee harvesting is carried out using stripping machines that utilize high-speed vibrating fingers to detach the fruit. Although efficient, this process presents a recurring problem: the direct and aggressive contact of the machine's fingers with the trunk and branches of the plant.

[003] This constant friction causes peeling of the trunk bark, mechanical injuries and, in more serious cases, compromises the vital structure of the plant, resulting in a reduction in the lifespan of the crop and a drop in productivity in subsequent harvests. Despite the relevance of the problem, to date there is no known technical solution on the market or in patent documents that proposes an effective means of mediating the contact between the machine and the plant trunk, in order to absorb and redistribute the vibration without causing damage. Petition 870260042704, dated 06 / 05 / 2026, page 5 / 15 / 6

[004] The present utility model has as its main objective the creation of a cylindrical protective clamp that attaches directly to the trunk of the plant, functioning as an intermediate element between the vibrating fingers of the harvesting machine and the plant itself.

[005] Among the specific objectives, the following stand out: a) protecting the trunk and branches against mechanical damage caused by direct contact; b) transferring and redistributing the machine's vibration in a less aggressive way, reducing the impact on the plant; c) allowing efficient harvesting without compromising agricultural productivity; d) increasing the useful life of the crop, preventing premature physical wear of the plants. Brief description of the drawings

[006] The model consists of a cylindrical protective clamp, figure 1, designed to be installed directly on the plant trunk. The main body of the clamp is shaped to have a concave outer curvature (1), specially developed for the precise fit of the fingers of the harvesting machine, ensuring the transmission of the vibration necessary for harvesting, but without direct friction with the plant trunk.

[007] The clamp has a series of through holes (2) strategically distributed on its surface, which serve to reduce pressure and allow the flow of any forces concentrated on the trunk, acting as mechanical relief points. This configuration reduces the possibility of crushing or permanent marks on the bark of the plant. Petition 870260042704, dated 06 / 05 / 2026, page 6 / 15 / 6

[008] At the top of the cylindrical body, the model has a fixed safety lock (3), designed as a physical limiter, whose function is to prevent the machine fingers from slipping out of the clamp and directly hitting the plant. The preferred shape of the lock is rectangular, but geometric variations (triangular, circular or similar) are permitted, provided they maintain the safety function.

[009] The clamp is constructed with a side opening in the form of a slot, allowing it to be expanded and fitted to the trunk (4). To ensure stable fixation, the invention incorporates a clamp-type mechanism, which may be metallic, plastic or equivalent, guaranteeing adjustable opening and closing according to the trunk diameter.

[010] Additionally, the inner face of the clamp may be provided with a firm rubber coating (5), the function of which is to prevent slippage on the trunk and maintain stable fixation during operation. This coating, however, is not an essential element of the invention and may be replaced by other materials or even omitted in certain applications, without prejudice to the main inventive function. Description of the invention

[011] The model is designed as a single piece, without additional internal mechanisms, but allows for variation in the manufacturing material. Initially developed in resistant plastic and rubber, it can also be produced in metal, carbon fiber or other highly durable materials, according to the conditions of use and the farmer's needs. Petition 870260042704, dated 06 / 05 / 2026, page 7 / 15 / 6

[012] The clamp can be manufactured in different dimensions, adapting to the diameter and age of the plant. Thus, smaller specimens can be used on young plants, while larger versions are suitable for adult plants. In all cases, the design maintains the same technical-functional unity, allowing use at different stages of the crop without affecting harvesting efficiency.

[013] The utility model presents significant advantages in relation to the state of the art, among which the following stand out: a) effective protection of the plant, reducing mechanical damage during harvesting; b) longer lifespan of the crop, avoiding injuries that could compromise productivity in future harvests; c) efficient and high-yield harvesting, since the clamp transmits the necessary vibration without causing damage; d) constructive versatility, being able to be manufactured in different materials and dimensions; e) reuse in several harvests, increasing the economic viability of the product. List of figures: • Figure 1 - General view of the cylindrical protective clamp, showing: (1) concave outer region for fitting the machine's fingers; (2) through holes for pressure relief; (3) fixed safety lock; (4) side opening in slit associated with the clamp; the (5) inner lining made of firm rubber. Petition 870260042704, dated 06 / 05 / 2026, page 8 / 15 / 6 Examples of embodiments of the invention

[014] In a preferred embodiment, the cylindrical protective clamp is manufactured as a single piece of high-strength plastic material, featuring a side opening in the form of a slot, associated with a clamp-type fastening mechanism. The outer surface of the clamp is concave to allow precise fitting of the fingers of the harvesting machine, ensuring less aggressive transmission of vibration to the plant trunk. In this preferred version, the body also has through holes distributed across its surface to reduce the pressure exerted on the plant, and a safety lock fixed to the upper region, intended to prevent the machine fingers from slipping. Optionally, the clamp may have an inner lining of firm rubber, which prevents slipping on the trunk and increases fastening efficiency.

[015] In another alternative embodiment, the clamp can be made of lightweight metal or carbon fiber, maintaining the same operating principle, but increasing durability under intensive use conditions. In yet another variation, the inner rubber coating can be replaced by equivalent polymers or omitted in situations where the natural friction between the clamp material and the trunk is sufficient to prevent slippage.

[016] It is also possible to vary the number and diameter of the through holes, according to the manufacturing material and the diameter of the plant trunk, without affecting the main inventive technical effect of pressure relief. Similarly, the safety lock, preferably Petition 870260042704, dated 06 / 05 / 2026, page 9 / 15 / 6 rectangular, can assume different geometric shapes (triangular, circular or trapezoidal), as long as it maintains the function of preventing the machine fingers from slipping out of the clamp.

[017] In comparative tests carried out with conventional harvesting machines, it was found that plants harvested with the use of the clamp showed a significant reduction in peeling and trunk damage, while maintaining harvesting yields equivalent to those of machines operating without the clamp. This technical advantage demonstrates that the device protects the plant without compromising the productive efficiency of the harvest.

[018] Thus, the different embodiments presented demonstrate that the invention can be implemented in various constructive configurations, materials and dimensions, while preserving its central inventive function: protecting the plant trunk and transferring machine vibration in a less aggressive way, increasing the useful life of the crop without reducing agricultural productivity. Petition 870260042704, dated 06 / 05 / 2026, page 10 / 15

Claims

1 / 2 CLAIMS 1. Cylindrical protective clamp for plant trunk, intended for use in coffee harvesting machines and similar, characterized by having a cylindrical body (4) with an opening for coupling to the plant trunk, whose outer surface is provided with a concave curvature (1) configured to receive the fingers of the harvesting machine, so as to transfer the vibration to the trunk in a less aggressive way and avoid damage to the plant.

2. Clamp, according to claim 1, characterized by comprising a fixed safety lock (3) that acts as a physical limiter, preventing the fingers from slipping out of the machine in case of displacement.

3. Clamp, according to claim 1, characterized by having through holes (2) distributed on its surface, configured to reduce the pressure exerted on the plant trunk.

4. Clamp, according to claim 3, characterized by allowing variation in the number and diameter of the holes depending on the material used in its manufacture.

5. Clamp, according to claim 1, characterized by having a lateral opening (4) in the form of a slot, associated with a clamp-type fastening mechanism, intended to allow opening and closing for coupling to the trunk. Petition 870260042704, dated 06 / 05 / 2026, page 11 / 15 2 / 2 6. Clamp, according to claim 1, characterized by having an inner lining of firm rubber (5), intended to increase fixation to the trunk and prevent slippage during use.

7. A clamp, according to claim 6, characterized by allowing the rubber to be replaced by other coating materials or by the absence of coating, without prejudice to the inventive function.

8. Clamp, according to claim 1, characterized by being sized according to the diameter and age of the plant, and being able to be manufactured in different sizes according to agricultural needs.

9. Staple, according to claim 1, characterized by being reusable in multiple harvests.

10. Clamp, according to claim 1, characterized by being able to be manufactured from different materials, such as plastic, rubber, metal, carbon fiber or equivalents. Petition 870260042704, dated 06 / 05 / 2026, page 12 / 15

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