Fruit-on-tree sizing device with flexible arms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fruit sizing devices damage the delicate skin of fruits, exert excessive pressure, are cumbersome, and fail to provide real-time size data to farmers, leading to premature or late harvesting and economic losses.

Innovation Solution

A lightweight, compact fruit-on-tree sizing device with flexible arms and rotating discs that adapt to the fruit's contour without damaging it, transmitting size data via radio frequency for real-time monitoring and decision-making.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional sizing devices are placed around the fruit, then the fruit size can be measured, but the delicate outer skin is damaged and the fruit is deformed due to high pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefruit size measurementVSAvoidskin damage and deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs flexible arms with curved configuration that can adapt to the fruit's contour without exerting excessive pressure. The flexible structure allows the device to conform to the fruit surface while maintaining gentle contact, thus enabling measurement without damaging the delicate skin or deforming the fruit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates rotating discs capable of rotating in opposite directions, with flexible arms that can dynamically adjust their position as the fruit grows. This dynamic structure allows continuous adaptation to changing fruit dimensions while maintaining appropriate contact pressure throughout the measurement period.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If heavy sizing devices are used, then measurement functionality is achieved, but the fruit falls to the ground causing economic losses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefruit size measurementVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate components including upper and lower annular discs connected by flexible arms, with electronics housed in a protection compartment. This segmentation allows for lightweight construction while maintaining structural integrity and measurement functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible arms and curved configuration enable the device to achieve measurement capability with minimal material, significantly reducing overall weight compared to rigid traditional devices while maintaining the ability to measure fruit size accurately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Device complexity

If mechanical sizing devices are used, then structure is simple, but real-time data transmission to farmers is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoidreal-time size data

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates communication means that transmit fruit size data in real-time to external devices, enabling farmers to receive continuous feedback on fruit development. This allows for timely decision-making regarding harvesting and tree management without requiring physical inspection of each fruit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces purely mechanical measurement systems with an integrated system that combines mechanical sensing with electronic data transmission. The measurement mechanism remains mechanical in nature, but the information is transmitted electronically, substituting the need for manual data collection and analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Measurement precision

If devices are placed on small fruit (20-25mm diameter), then continuous monitoring is possible, but the device must be extremely compact and lightweight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous fruit development monitoringVSAvoiddevice compactness

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronics are housed within a protection compartment that is integrated into the device structure. The flexible arms are arranged to nest within the space between the upper and lower annular discs, maximizing space utilization and achieving compactness suitable for small fruit while protecting sensitive electronic components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS12196546B2Fruit-on-tree sizing device

Publication Date: 2025.01.14 AGERPIX TECH S L U

AI summary

A fruit-on-tree sizing device includes a lower annular disc and an upper annular disc, from which first flexible arms and second flexible arms, with curved configuration, start internally, in opposite directions, and which respectively form a lower opening and an upper opening wherein the fruit is positioned. As the diameter of the fruit increases, the first flexible arms and the second flexible arms force the upper annular disc and the lower annular disc to rotate on themselves, in opposite directions. The device further includes a reading module intended for quantifying the relative movement of the upper annular disc with respect to the lower annular disc, and transmitter which transmits the measurements obtained to an external device.