Broccoli Harvester With Height-Adjustable Cutting And Leaf Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing broccoli harvesting methods require significant manual labor and are inefficient in separating the flower from the stem and leaves, leading to increased costs and reduced broccoli production due to labor shortages.
Innovation Solution
A broccoli harvester equipped with height-adjustable combs, stem-cutting and leaf removal systems, and a conveyor system for automated flower and stem separation, connected to a tractor for efficient harvesting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual harvesting methods are used, then labor flexibility is maintained, but labor costs increase and productivity decreases due to labor shortages
Solution Approach 1:
The harvesting system is divided into multiple functional segments: cutting combs for stem separation, leaf removal mechanisms, and conveying systems. Each segment performs a specific function in the harvesting process, enabling automated operation while maintaining efficiency through coordinated action of discrete components.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical harvesting operations are replaced with an automated system that uses tractor-powered mechanisms. The cutting combs, leaf removal devices, and conveying systems are all driven by mechanical power from the tractor, eliminating the need for manual labor while maintaining harvesting effectiveness.
2Extent of automation
If automated harvesting machinery is introduced, then labor requirements are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses universal components that perform multiple functions. For example, the cutting combs both cut the stem and separate the flower from the leaf, while the conveying system handles both stem transport and leaf removal. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of separate components needed, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the automated nature of the machinery.
Solution Approach 2:
The harvesting system employs nested arrangements where smaller functional elements are integrated within larger structures. The cutting combs are positioned within the overall harvester framework, and leaf removal mechanisms are integrated into the conveying system, creating a compact and organized structure that manages complexity through hierarchical integration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If height-adjustable combs are used, then adaptability to different broccoli types is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting combs are designed with dynamic height adjustment capabilities, allowing them to move vertically to accommodate different broccoli plant heights. This dynamic adjustment mechanism enables the same comb structure to adapt to various broccoli varieties without requiring multiple fixed-comb configurations, thereby improving versatility while managing complexity through a single adjustable system.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a broccoli harvester which is connectable to a tractor (2) for the transport and drive of the harvester, comprising: - A broccoli harvesting and stem-cutting comb subsystem (4), comprising at least a pair of conical centring struts (7) incorporating means for making a first cut and a second cut, as well as means for positioning the broccoli and both globally and individually adjusting the cutting height. - A transfer subsystem (5) for transfer to a transverse conveying subsystem, which also has means for broccoli-leaf separation. - The transverse conveying and transfer subsystem (6) for transfer to a cleaning subsystem. - The cleaning subsystem provides mobile transfer to the broccoli unloading point. In harvesting it allows for an efficient and automated cutting of the broccoli flower with respect to the stem.