Nut Collection Device with Coil Spring Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for harvesting nuts that have fallen to the ground are labor-intensive, requiring manual collection and often involving the use of tarps or collection devices that still necessitate manual retrieval and emptying, lacking efficiency and ease of use for both commercial and small-scale operations.
Innovation Solution
A collection device with an elongated handle, reciprocal push rod, and coil spring mechanism that allows nuts to be collected and stored in chambers, facilitating easy emptying by expanding and closing the spring coils for discharge into a receptacle, with adjustable features for accommodating different nut sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual picking or tarp collection is used, then labor intensity is high, but the device complexity remains low
Solution Approach 1:
The collection device is divided into distinct functional segments: the handle for positioning, the coil spring for containment and discharge, and the collection chambers for storage. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall device relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil spring mechanism enables self-service operation where the spring automatically expands to discharge nuts and contracts to collect them, reducing the need for complex mechanical operations by the user. The device serves itself through the elastic properties of the spring.
2Loss of time
If collection chambers are added to increase capacity, then the number of trips to receptacle is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple collection chambers are merged into a single integrated device structure, allowing the user to collect nuts from multiple locations or types in one trip. The chambers are combined with the coil spring mechanism to form a unified collection system that maximizes capacity without requiring separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection chambers are positioned to nest within or alongside the coil spring structure, optimizing space utilization. The chambers are integrated into the handle assembly, creating a compact nested arrangement that increases capacity without proportionally increasing overall device size.
3Ease of operation
If coil spring mechanism is used for easy emptying, then ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coil spring provides a dynamic emptying mechanism that transitions from a contracted state during collection to an expanded state during discharge. This dynamic behavior allows easy emptying through simple manual manipulation of the handle, converting the spring's elastic energy into the discharge action without requiring complex mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil spring mechanism changes its physical parameter (coil separation) in response to user input. When the handle is manipulated, the spring's coil separation increases, automatically opening the discharge path. This parameter change provides intuitive ease of operation while the spring's inherent elasticity keeps the mechanism relatively simple.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device increases efficiency by reducing the number of trips needed to collect and empty nuts, offering greater capacity and ease of use, making it suitable for both commercial and small-scale nut farmers.
Implementation Method 1
A coil spring has its opposite ends secured to the lower ends of the collection chambers. In use, the collection device is placed over the nuts to be picked up and is manually pushed or tamped downward into engagement with the nut causing the spring to expand sufficiently to allow nuts to pass between the coils into the interior of the coil spring.
Data Source
AI summary
A harvesting device for nuts and similar small objects having a handle which receives a manually reciprocable push rod having a spreader on its lower end. Tubular collection chambers are secured to the handle. A continuous coil spring extends between the lower, open ends of the collection chambers. The spreader engages the coil spring within the interior area at the end of the handle. In use, downward pressure applied to the handle at the grip will cause the openings between the coils of the coil spring to separate sufficiently to allow objects on the ground to pass into the interior of the spring and into one of the collection chambers. The collection chambers are emptied by holding the device over a receptacle such as a bin with one hand and operating the push rod in a reciprocating or pumping motion causing the openings between the coils to open and close, facilitating rapid emptying of the collection chambers.