ORGANIC OBJECT STEM SEPARATION UNIT BY ELECTRIC RESISTANCE HEATING

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly for separating the stem of organic matter by resistance heating, which can be integrated into a robotic arm, automatic harvesting system, or post-harvest processing line. The assembly comprises a soft gripping mechanism, a translational drive mechanism, and a resistance heating element. The soft gripping mechanism stabilizes the organic matter during stem separation. The translational drive mechanism moves the resistance heating element toward the stem along a defined path. The resistance heating element consists of a wire or resistive element mounted on a heat-resistant insulated fixture, in which the wire or resistive element forms a V-shaped stem receiving slot with friction grooves, ridges, spikes, roughness, or serrations on the inner surface to prevent the stem from slipping and concentrate stress. When current is applied, the wire or resistive element generates Joule heat and, in conjunction with the translational force, guides the stem toward the bottom of the V-shaped slot and separates the stem at the concentrated cutting-heating zone.As a result, the invention helps improve the stability and accuracy of the stem separation process, while minimizing damage to organic matter.