Individual Fruit Harvest Assister With Integrated Container Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current harvesting assisting machines struggle with automatically picking up containers from the ground, require external tools like forklifts, cannot pass above containers in the field due to space constraints, and are limited by the slowest user's harvesting rate when multiple users operate simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled harvesting assisting machine with a frame, wheels, and a container holding and lifting assembly that includes retractable prongs or holders to lift and lower containers, allowing for efficient container handling and item arrangement, and a platform for user operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If current harvesting assisting machines use external tools like forklifts for container handling, then container positioning and removal can be achieved, but the harvesting process slows down and requires additional equipment in the field
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the container holding and lifting assembly directly onto the harvesting assisting machine, merging the container handling function with the harvesting machine itself. This eliminates the need for separate forklifts and external tools, allowing the machine to autonomously pick up, hold, and maneuver containers while maintaining harvesting productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The harvesting assisting machine performs container handling operations independently through its own integrated lifting assembly. The machine serves itself by autonomously picking up containers from the ground and positioning them without requiring external assistance from forklifts or other equipment, thereby maintaining continuous harvesting operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If current harvesting assisting machines maneuver to bypass containers in the field, then they can avoid obstacles, but the process is slowed down and may not be possible due to limited space between tree lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a retractable container holding assembly that can dynamically adjust its position. The prongs and holders can extend to engage containers and retract to clear obstacles, allowing the machine to adapt its structure in real-time to navigate tight spaces between tree lines without slowing down harvesting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the vertical dimension to container handling by using a lifting assembly that can elevate containers above the machine's frame. This allows the machine to pass over containers deployed in the field rather than maneuvering around them horizontally, solving the space constraint problem between tree lines.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple users operate harvesting assisting machines simultaneously, then more harvesting can be done, but the average harvesting rate is limited by the slowest user's rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the container handling function into separate modular components (prongs, holders, lifting assembly) that can operate independently and in parallel. This segmentation allows multiple users to operate their machines simultaneously without interfering with each other, as each machine's container handling system is self-contained and can manage its own container at its own pace.
4Ease of operation
If the container holding and lifting assembly uses retractable prongs and holders, then container engagement and release is simplified, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses retractable prongs and holders that can extend and retract as needed. This dynamic design allows the simple action of extending prongs to engage containers and retracting them to release containers, simplifying the operation while the retractable mechanism itself manages the complexity through automated extension and retraction.
Data Source
AI summary
A harvesting assisting machine which may include: a frame having a longitudinal frame axis, the frame including: a first and second side frame portions extending in a vertical direction and disposed on opposing sides of the longitudinal frame axis, a third frame portion interconnecting the first and second side frame portion, wherein the first and second side frame portions and the third frame portion create a container space configured to accommodate a container: a plurality of wheels coupled to bottom portions of the first and second side frame portions; and a container holding and lifting assembly coupled to the frame, the container holding and lifting assembly being configured to releasably hold the container within the container space and to elevate and lower the container in the vertical direction.