Cantilevered Melon Collection Unit for Uneven Terrain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current melon harvesting methods, particularly the machine described in FR2681215, are inefficient on uneven or varying terrain due to weight distribution issues and inability to adapt to soil density, limiting harvest rate and causing melon collection challenges.
Innovation Solution
A melon collection device with a cantilevered collection unit supported by adjustable arms and a pivoting ramp system that minimizes ground contact and allows for soil density adjustment, enabling efficient harvesting on irregular terrain and varying soil conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the machine's weight is distributed between wheels and pickup head, then the machine can operate on flat ground, but it sinks into soft ground and cannot harvest melons
Solution Approach 1:
The pickup head is made movable relative to the ground through a lifting mechanism, allowing it to adapt its position and contact force dynamically. This enables the machine to operate on both flat hard ground and soft uneven terrain by adjusting the pickup head's height and angle, resolving the contradiction between operational reliability and adaptability to varying soil conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine changes operational parameters by adjusting the pickup head's position, angle, and contact force with the ground. This parameter adjustment allows the same machine to effectively harvest melons on different soil types and terrain conditions, from hard flat ground to soft uneven ground, eliminating the need for different machines for different conditions.
2Force
If the harvesting head exerts significant force on the ground, then it can grip melons effectively, but it sinks into loose soil
Solution Approach 1:
The machine separates the functions of ground support and melon gripping. The wheels provide stable ground support and bearing, while the pickup head focuses solely on melon gripping without bearing the machine's weight. This segmentation allows the pickup head to exert gripping force on melons without sinking into loose soil, as the ground reaction force is primarily supported by the wheels.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheels act as intermediaries between the machine's weight and the ground. They bear the machine's weight and provide stable ground contact, while the pickup head interacts with melons separately. This intermediary arrangement prevents the pickup head from sinking into loose soil while maintaining effective gripping force on melons.
3Ease of operation
If the machine uses a fixed boom design, then it is simple to operate, but it cannot adapt to varying soil density and terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The boom is made dynamic with adjustable angle and height through lifting mechanisms. This allows the operator to adapt the boom's position to different terrain conditions and soil densities while maintaining ease of operation through centralized control. The dynamic boom resolves the contradiction by providing both operational simplicity and terrain adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The boom serves multiple functions: it supports the pickup head, provides adjustable positioning for different terrain conditions, and enables adaptation to varying soil densities. This multi-functionality allows a single machine design to handle diverse operating conditions without compromising operational simplicity.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If manual harvesting is used, then melons can be handled carefully, but it requires large workforce and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with a controlled mechanical pickup head that uses gentle gripping forces to handle melons. This mechanical system substitutes human labor while maintaining careful melon handling through controlled gripping mechanisms, thereby increasing productivity without causing excessive melon damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The pickup head uses controlled gripping forces and gentle contact parameters to handle melons carefully, similar to manual handling. By optimizing these parameters, the machine achieves both careful melon handling and high harvesting rate, resolving the contradiction between minimizing melon damage and increasing productivity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3c
AI summary
The present invention concerns a device for collecting vegetables such as melons, comprising a chassis (2), a collection unit (3), and securing means (4) capable of linking the chassis (2) to an agricultural vehicle (5), said collection unit (3) comprising means (6) for guiding the vegetables, means (7) for transferring the vegetables onto a conveyor and at least one conveyor (8), and such that, according to the invention, the chassis (2) comprises means (9) for supporting the collection unit (3) allowing the collection unit (3) to be positioned in cantilevered fashion so as to limit the force exerted on the ground by the collection unit (3).