Portable Branch Shaker Using Antiphase Eccentric Masses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable shakers for gardening or agriculture are heavy, complex, expensive, and transmit harmful vibrations to operators, lacking flexibility in vibration control and adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A portable shaker with a vibrating body comprising eccentric masses that rotate in antiphase to generate oscillations, transferring motion to a rod for branch shaking without a rod-crank mechanism, using electric actuation engines with control means for adjustable vibration parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a rod-crank mechanism with spark-ignition engine is used to transform engine vibrations into longitudinal motion of the hooked rod, then the shaker can effectively shake branches, but the shaker becomes heavy, complex, and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex rod-crank transmission mechanism from the system. Instead of using a spark-ignition engine with rod-crank mechanism, the invention directly uses an electric motor that generates vibrations along the hooked rod's development direction, removing the intermediate transmission components and significantly simplifying the device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical spark-ignition engine and rod-crank transmission system with an electric motor system. The electric motor directly generates the required vibratory motion without mechanical transmission, substituting a complex mechanical system with a simpler electromechanical system that achieves the same function with fewer parts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a spark-ignition engine is used to power the shaker, then the shaker can operate, but the frequency of vibrations cannot be uncoupled from their amplitude, limiting flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system where the electric motor can independently adjust vibration frequency and amplitude. This is achieved through electronic control that can vary the motor's rotational speed and torque separately, allowing the vibration frequency and amplitude to be uncoupled and adjusted independently according to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables independent control of vibration parameters by changing the electrical input parameters to the motor. By adjusting voltage, current, or pulse width modulation (PWM) signals, the system can independently control the frequency and amplitude of vibrations, providing adaptability without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
3Power
If a rod-crank mechanism is used to transmit vibrations from the engine to the rod, then the shaker can function, but the structure becomes heavy and difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the heavy rod-crank transmission mechanism and its associated components from the system. The electric motor is mounted directly on the hooked rod assembly, eliminating the need for a separate transmission system and significantly reducing the overall weight of the movable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the motor mounting and vibration generation functions into a single integrated assembly. The electric motor is directly coupled to the hooked rod, combining the power source and vibration transmission elements into one compact unit, which reduces weight and simplifies the overall structure.
4Power
If known shakers transmit vibrations to operators during fruit harvesting, then the shaking function is achieved, but health problems occur and work becomes strenuous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the hooked rod as an intermediary element that transmits vibrations selectively. The rod is designed to engage with the branch and transmit vibrations primarily along its development direction, while the geometry and mounting of the rod minimize the transmission of transverse vibrations to the operator's hand, acting as a mediator that directs energy where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by designing the hooked rod with specific geometric characteristics that concentrate vibration transmission in the longitudinal direction while minimizing transverse vibration transmission. The rod's shape, mass distribution, and mounting configuration are optimized to provide directional vibration transmission, delivering shaking power to the branch while protecting the operator from harmful vibrations.
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 solution results in a lighter, easier-to-handle shaker with reduced production costs, minimized operator vibration exposure, and enhanced ergonomic handling, allowing flexible control of vibration amplitude and frequency.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second eccentric masses, on the contrary, are movable inside the casing and mutually rotating in antiphase thanks to the action of the at least one actuation engine which is suitable to rotate at least one of the first and second eccentric masses
Implementation Method 2
The first and second eccentric masses, mutually rotating in antiphase, generate oscillations on the casing in such a way as to cause a vibration of the first rod along the vibration direction
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Shaker for gardening or agriculture comprising a first rod 1, configured to shake a branch by vibrating along a vibration direction 2 coinciding with its development direction. Such portable shaker "S" further comprises a vibrating body 3 comprising a casing 4 and a first and a second eccentric masses 5 and 6 suitable to rotate in antiphase mutual rotation within the casing 4. The casing 4 is integrally connected to one end of the first rod 1 in such a way that it moves integrally with the casing 4 at least along the vibration direction 2. Such portable shaker "S" further comprises at least one actuation engine 7 suitable to rotate at least one of the first and the second eccentric masses 5 and 6. The first and the second eccentric masses 5 and 6 are configured to generate oscillations of the casing 4 in such a way as to cause a vibration of the first rod 1 along the vibration direction 2.