Grape Harvester Shaking Control with Adjustable Eccentric System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current grape harvesting machines face challenges with shaking control systems that are either too rigid and prone to mechanical damage or overly power-consuming, lacking flexibility and precision in adjusting parameters like shaking frequency, amplitude, and pinch between shakers.
Innovation Solution
A mechatronic shaking control system utilizing an eccentric system connected to the actuation shaft through a connecting rod, with adjustable rotation axes and a cradle that synchronizes the rotation of eccentrics, allowing for precise adjustments in amplitude and pinch control, and incorporating stress control jacks for intelligent flexibility and power efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional crank-rod shaking control system is used, then the system is simple and sturdy with low power consumption, but it is rigid and prone to mechanical damage when encountering obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by replacing the rigid crank-rod system with a dynamic hydraulic shaking control system. The hydraulic system can adapt its behavior in real-time: it provides continuous shaking force under normal conditions, and can stall or reduce force when encountering obstacles, preventing mechanical damage. The hydraulic motor and control valves enable the system to transition between different operational states dynamically, combining the advantages of both rigidity and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the Mechanics substitution principle by replacing the purely mechanical crank-rod system with a hydraulic system. Instead of using mechanical linkages that transmit force rigidly, the invention uses hydraulic pressure and fluid flow to control the shaking motion. This substitution allows for softer, more adaptable force transmission that can accommodate obstacles without mechanical failure, while maintaining effective shaking performance.
2Measurement precision
If a hydraulic alternating jack system with servo valves is used for shaking control, then adjustment precision and flexibility are improved, but power consumption increases by 40-50%
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Partial or excessive action principle by using a single hydraulic motor to drive both shaking assemblies through a common crank system, rather than using separate hydraulic jacks for each assembly. This partial action approach maintains the precision and flexibility of hydraulic control while significantly reducing power consumption by eliminating redundant actuators. The system achieves the necessary control with less energy input by sharing the driving mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the Merging principle by combining the driving functions into a single hydraulic motor that drives both left and right shaking assemblies through a common crank mechanism. Instead of having separate hydraulic systems for each assembly, the invention merges the actuation into one system, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining independent control capability through the shared hydraulic circuit and synchronized crank operation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If conventional shaking controls with crank-rod systems are used, then power consumption is low, but adjustment of shaker amplitude and pinch is difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by implementing a hydraulic system with adjustable parameters that can be changed during operation. The shaking amplitude and pinch between assemblies can be dynamically adjusted by controlling hydraulic pressure and flow to the cranks, allowing operators to optimize performance for different harvesting conditions while maintaining power efficiency through controlled hydraulic actuation rather than continuous high-power mechanical drive.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the Parameter changes principle by enabling continuous adjustment of key operational parameters including shaking amplitude, frequency, and pinch between assemblies. The hydraulic system allows these parameters to be varied by changing pressure, flow rate, and crank positioning, providing ease of operation and adaptability while maintaining reasonable power consumption through efficient hydraulic control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Berry, such as grape, harvesting machine includes a plurality of superimposed shakers formed by flexible bars, and attached through their ends to two vertical shafts. At least one shaft is an oscillating actuation shaft controlled by a mechatronic shaking control permitting an oscillating movement. The mechatronic shaking control includes an eccentric system connected to the actuating shaft through a connecting rod, and the rotation axis of the eccentric system is mounted with an orientation adjustable in a plane parallel to the median plane of the machine so that any modification of this orientation permits to modify the amplitude of the oscillating movement of the actuating shaft, and, consequently the amplitude of the shaking movement of the shakers.