Harvesting Machine Selective Fruit Sorting via Conveyor Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanized harvesting of fruits like grapes lacks a satisfactory solution for selective separation based on quality and yield, which is crucial for optimizing subsequent processes such as vinification.
Innovation Solution
A harvesting machine with a motorized support structure, multiple storage receptacles, and a system that determines the location within a parcel of land to automatically direct the harvested stream into the appropriate receptacle based on geographical areas defined by harvesting criteria, using upper and lower conveyors and a guidance device to manage the stream flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mechanized harvesting is used, then harvesting efficiency and productivity are improved, but the ability to selectively separate fruit based on quality and yield deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The parcel of land is divided into multiple geographical areas based on harvesting criteria such as quality and yield. Each area is assigned to a specific receptacle, enabling selective separation of harvested fruit by directing streams from different areas to different storage locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses location determination devices to continuously track the harvesting machine's position and automatically controls the feeding system based on this information. The control device receives feedback about the current geographical area and adjusts the feeding system accordingly to maintain selective harvesting.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual harvesting is used, then selective separation of fruit by quality and yield is improved, but harvesting productivity and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines the location, identifies the corresponding geographical area, and controls the feeding system without manual intervention. The harvesting machine autonomously performs the selective separation function that would otherwise require manual quality assessment and sorting.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple receptacles are added for selective storage, then selective separation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feeding system uses a single lower conveyor that can serve multiple receptacles by changing its conveying direction. This multi-functional approach allows one conveyor to feed different receptacles based on the harvested area, reducing the need for multiple dedicated conveyors and simplifying the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower conveyor's conveying direction is made variable and controllable, allowing it to dynamically redirect the harvested stream to different receptacles. This dynamic capability enables selective feeding without requiring fixed, dedicated conveyors for each receptacle.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a machine and method for selective harvesting of a parcel of land by means of a harvesting machine including a motohsed support structure on which are mounted a harvesting assembly adapted to deliver a harvested stream, at least two receptacles (1) for storage of said stream and a system for respectively feeding a receptacle (1) with said stream as a function of the location of the machine in the parcel. The parcel is divided into distinct geographical areas and each receptable is dedicated to an area. The machine comprises upper conveyor means (3) for feeding the receptables (1) along respective feed paths, a lower conveyor (6) and a device for guiding the harvested stream by opening and closing the feed paths and varying the conveying direction of the lower conveyor, as a function of the receptable to be fed with the harvested stream.