Flexible Lip on Berry Harvesting Collection Scale

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current harvesting head systems for small fruits like olives, hazelnuts, and grapes face issues with fruit loss due to the conformation of existing collection scales, which are not suitable for larger tree trunks and do not effectively prevent fruits from rolling or bouncing out, leading to inefficiencies and damage to the trees.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a collection scale with a flexible stop rim made of polyurethane or rubber, which can deform elastically to match the shape of tree trunks and prevent fruit loss by providing a continuous, sealed barrier, while being removable and attachable to the existing scales.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If rigid scales are used in the collection floor, then structural strength is maintained, but fruit loss increases due to inability to seal around tree trunks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefruit lossVSAvoidadaptability to tree trunk shapes

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a flexible lip made of elastomeric material to the distal end of each scale. This flexible lip can deform elastically to conform to the shape of tree trunks and other obstacles, creating a continuous sealed barrier that prevents fruit from rolling or bouncing out while maintaining structural integrity through the rigid scale body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The scale combines a rigid plate body (made of materials like polyamide or polyethylene) with a flexible lip (made of elastomeric materials such as polyurethane or rubber). This composite structure integrates the strength and durability of rigid materials with the adaptability and sealing capability of flexible materials, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the stop rim is made rigid, then structural stability is improved, but damage to tree trunks occurs due to lack of flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedamage to tree trunksVSAvoidstructural stability of stop rim

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible lip made of elastomeric material replaces the rigid stop rim, allowing the barrier to deform elastically when contacting tree trunks. This flexibility prevents mechanical damage to the trees while the lip maintains its structural stability through elastic recovery, creating a protective barrier that is gentle on vegetation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Loss of substance

If scales are made fully retractable, then sealing around trunks is improved, but mechanical complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefruit loss preventionVSAvoidmechanical complexity of scale system

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of making the entire scale retractable through complex mechanical systems, the patent applies a simple flexible lip to the distal end of each scale. This flexible lip passively conforms to tree trunk shapes through elastic deformation without requiring actuators, sensors, or complex control systems, significantly reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining effective sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Reliability

If bucket speed matches machine speed, then sealing during passage is improved, but fruit loss occurs during high production due to limited capacity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing during passageVSAvoidhandling capacity during high production

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible lip on the scale changes its physical state from a rigid structure to an elastically deformable barrier, allowing it to adapt its shape parameter to maintain sealing around tree trunks of various diameters. This parameter change enables reliable sealing without requiring the entire collection system to be retractable, thereby maintaining productivity during high production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 flexible stop rim effectively seals the fruit collection area, reducing fruit loss and preventing damage to tree trunks, enhancing the harvesting efficiency and reducing mechanical stress on the collection system.

Implementation Method 1

said stop rim consists of a flexible lip endowed with a capacity for elastic deformation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2462796B1Scale with halting lip for a collection floor of a berry harvesting head and corresponding harvesting head

Publication Date: 2014.05.21 PELLENC SA

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AI summary

The shell has a trapezoidal plate (1) whose upper surface (1e) and lower surface are arranged between a proximal or fixation end (2) and a distal or free end (3). The distal or free end has a border (1d) whose stop edge is raised above a plane in which the upper surface is arranged. The stop edge is formed by an extended flexible lip (4) having elastic deformation capacity. The stop edge extends in the direction of an exterior of the border. The trapezoidal plate constitutes a body of the shell. An independent claim is also included for a small fruit harvesting head comprising an articulated traversable collecting platform.