Adjustable Eccentric Mass Shaker for Bark Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanized fruit collection methods using shaking devices often cause damage to trees due to excessive vibration stress, which is not customizable to the specific needs of different plants, leading to energy waste and environmental concerns.
Innovation Solution
A shaking device with an adjustable eccentric mass and vibration compensation system, allowing for customizable vibration amplitude and frequency based on the plant's size and vegetative phase, using a gear reducer and spring mechanism to regulate the distance of the eccentric mass from the rotation axis, and a support element with varying density layers to minimize plant damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high mechanical power shakers are used to maximize fruit collection efficiency, then productivity increases, but the shaking amplitude becomes excessive causing bark damage to the trees
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the eccentric mass adjustable during operation. The device allows modification of the vibration characteristics by changing the position of the eccentric mass along the rotation axis, enabling adaptation to different tree sizes and bark conditions while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the vibration system by allowing the eccentric mass to be positioned at different distances from the rotation axis. This parameter adjustment enables optimization of vibration amplitude and frequency to match specific tree characteristics, preventing bark damage while maintaining collection efficiency
2Device complexity
If the distance between eccentric mass and rotation axis is fixed to simplify device structure, then device complexity is reduced, but the shaking power cannot be adapted to different plant sizes leading to either destructive shaking for small plants or insufficient shaking for large plants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed structure into a dynamic one by enabling the eccentric mass to move along the rotation axis. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same device to adapt to various plant sizes without increasing fundamental structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable eccentric mass mechanism provides multi-functionality, allowing the single device to serve multiple purposes: gentle shaking for small plants, strong shaking for large plants, and customizable vibration patterns for different bark conditions, replacing the need for multiple specialized devices
3Productivity
If high frequency vibrations are used to maximize fruit detachment, then productivity increases, but energy consumption increases and causes excessive stress to the trees
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables parameter changes in vibration frequency and amplitude through the adjustable eccentric mass position. By optimizing these parameters for specific tree conditions, the system achieves effective fruit detachment with reduced energy consumption compared to fixed high-frequency vibrations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using only the necessary vibration intensity required for each specific tree. Rather than applying maximum vibration to all trees, the system adjusts the eccentric mass position to deliver appropriate vibration levels, avoiding excessive energy consumption while maintaining productivity
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 optimizes power and vibration stress for efficient fruit collection while reducing energy consumption and minimizing tree damage, achieving high yields while promoting environmental sustainability by adapting to the specific needs of each plant.
Implementation Method 1
The vibrations are produced by one or two hydraulic motors, positioned externally to the casing of the machine, which act on one or more eccentric masses, housed inside the casing itself, which, by turning, cause an oscillating movement
Implementation Method 2
a vibration compensation system, allowing for customizable vibration amplitude and frequency based on the plant's size and vegetative phase, using a gear reducer and spring mechanism to regulate the distance of the eccentric mass from the rotation axis
Data Source
Figure 1.a~1.f
Figure 2~3
Figure 4.a~5
AI summary
Shaking device (100, 100', 200) avoiding bark removal for mechanized collection of hanging fruits comprising: a head (101, 101', 201); an arm (102, 102', 202); a main shaft (103, 103', 203); at least one mass (104, 104', 204) positioned on the head (101, 101', 201) and eccentric with respect to the main shaft (103, 103', 203); a register (105, 105', 205) of the eccentric mass (104, 104', 204); a regulation apparatus (106, 106', 206) for regulating the distance between the center of the mass (104, 104', 204) and the rotation axis (103a, 103'a, 203a). The regulation apparatus (106, 106', 206) comprises a vibration compensation apparatus (107, 107', 207) connected to the eccentric mass (104, 104', 204) and connecting the register (105, 105', 205) to said eccentric mass (104, 104', 204).