Hoop Arm Bagging Device for Tree Fruit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Harvesting hard-to-reach fruits and vegetables on trees poses a challenge as existing bagging methods require ladder use, which is risky and laborious, and there is a need for a safer and more efficient method to protect these fruits from pests without chemical pesticides.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a body with curved arms forming a hoop, equipped with fasteners and a drawstring mechanism that allows bagging from the ground, using a pole for extension and a hook system to secure the bag around the fruit, enabling quick and safe bagging without ladder access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If ladders are used to reach hard-to-reach fruits on trees, then bagging can be performed, but the risk of injury increases and the process becomes laborious

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of baggingVSAvoidsafety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device transitions the bagging operation from a vertical access requirement (climbing ladders) to a horizontal reach capability (extended pole from ground level). The pole extends the operator's reach in the horizontal dimension, allowing access to high fruits without vertical ascent, thereby eliminating ladder-related safety risks while maintaining bagging functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The device introduces an intermediary tool (the pole with mounting mechanism) that mediates between the operator on the ground and the fruit at height. This intermediary carries the bagging apparatus to the target location and provides the mechanical interface for bag application, eliminating the need for direct human contact with high branches

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If manual bagging methods are used, then fruits can be protected from pests, but the process is laborious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepest protectionVSAvoidbagging efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device allows preliminary positioning and preparation of the bag at ground level before deployment to the fruit. The pole-mounted mechanism enables the bag to be pre-assembled and then quickly delivered to the target, reducing the time required for each bagging operation and increasing overall productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates dynamic elements including the extendable pole mechanism and the movable bag positioning system that can quickly adjust to different fruit locations. This dynamic capability allows rapid repositioning between fruits, significantly improving bagging efficiency compared to static manual methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11800836B2Device for bagging fruit and vegetable on tree

Publication Date: 2023.10.31 GREAUX PATRICK

AI summary

A device and a method for bagging a fruit or a vegetable on a tree, the device includes two arms of a hoop shape profile to which are provided spaced apart fasteners on inner surfaces thereof. A bag at its opening periphery can be releasably mounted to the two arms through the fasteners. The bag has a drawstring with a lock, wherein the lock is immobilized in a cutout provided in the device and a leading end of the drawstring passing through the lock can extend further. A loop of the leading end of the drawstring is hooked to a hook that is coupled to a cord. The cord can be pulled to tighten the drawstring and thus the opening of the bag.