Bilberry Harvesting Device with Variable Frequency Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing harvesting tools for small fruits like bilberries are cumbersome, require frequent adjustment of vibration frequency for each branch, and suffer from mechanical inertia issues, making the process time-consuming and complicated.

Innovation Solution

A portable device with a variable frequency oscillating hook that allows operators to select and store a vibration frequency for consistent use across multiple branches, featuring a frequency adjustment system independent of the start and stop mechanism, and a braking system to reduce mechanical inertia, enabling efficient harvesting of ripe bilberries without unripe ones.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the operator adjusts vibration frequency for each branch using prior art tools, then the ripe fruits can be harvested selectively, but the operation becomes complicated and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveselective harvesting precisionVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The frequency is adjusted in advance before harvesting begins, and the pre-adjusted frequency is maintained throughout the harvesting process. This eliminates the need for repeated frequency adjustments when moving between branches, reducing operational complexity while maintaining selective harvesting capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device maintains the selected frequency automatically through its design, requiring no active intervention from the operator to preserve the frequency setting. The frequency adjustment system remains set at the chosen value without drift or automatic changes, allowing the device to serve itself in maintaining optimal harvesting conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If the motor is switched on and off frequently for each branch, then harvesting can be performed on multiple branches, but mechanical inertia causes the hook to continue vibrating for several seconds, prolonging the operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveharvesting speedVSAvoidtime lost to mechanical inertia

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The frequency is adjusted in advance before harvesting begins, and the pre-adjusted frequency is maintained throughout the harvesting process. This eliminates the need for repeated frequency adjustments when moving between branches, reducing operational complexity while maintaining selective harvesting capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device maintains the selected frequency automatically through its design, requiring no active intervention from the operator to preserve the frequency setting. The frequency adjustment system remains set at the chosen value without drift or automatic changes, allowing the device to serve itself in maintaining optimal harvesting conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If prior art shaking tools are designed with variable frequency capability, then different branches can be accommodated, but the tools become heavy and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency adaptabilityVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device provides frequency adaptability only where needed - through a simple adjustment mechanism that allows the operator to select from different frequency settings. The rest of the device maintains a lightweight, simple structure without unnecessary components, achieving local optimization of adaptability while minimizing overall weight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The device streamlines the harvesting process by allowing operators to maintain a selected vibration frequency across branches, reducing operational complexity and time, while minimizing mechanical inertia effects, thus improving efficiency and reducing fruit spoilage.

Implementation Method 1

The shaking unit is movable (or capable of oscillation) relative to the frame with reciprocating motion along an axis of vibration to shake the branch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

a braking system to reduce mechanical inertia

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3958664B1Device for harvesting bilberries

Publication Date: 2025.01.15 CAMPAGNOLA

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AI summary

A device (1) for harvesting bilberries comprises: a frame (2) including a handgrip portion (20); a shaking unit (3), including a hook-shaped portion (31) for grasping a branch of a bilberry plant, wherein the shaking unit (3) is movable relative to the frame (2) with reciprocating motion along an axis of vibration (A) to shake the branch; a motor (4); a transmission unit (5), wherein the motor (4) is associated with the transmission unit (5) to vibrate the shaking unit (3) along the axis of vibration (A) at a variable vibrating frequency; a frequency adjustment system (7) drivable by the operator to select the vibration frequency at least between a first frequency and a second frequency, wherein the frequency adjustment system (7) is configured to keep the vibration frequency permanently set at the setting selected by the operator unless the frequency adjustment system is acted upon by the operator.