Nut Collector Covering Mechanism for Safe Basket Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nut collectors pose safety hazards due to the need for manual disassembly of elastic wires during nut discharge and have poor stability during rotation, leading to inefficient and unsafe operation.
Innovation Solution
A nut collector design featuring a movable covering that switches between open and closed states using a driving device, allowing nuts to be discharged without manual intervention, and a basket support structure that enhances rotational stability through annular connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual disassembly of elastic wires is used for nut discharge, then the discharge operation can be performed, but safety hazards increase due to direct contact with sharp nut surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge function is segmented from the elastic wire structure. Instead of manually disassembling the entire wire assembly, the covering is divided into discrete segments that can be independently manipulated to open or close discharge openings, isolating the user's hands from direct contact with sharp nuts
Solution Approach 2:
The covering acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the nuts. By operating the covering through a transmission assembly rather than directly handling elastic wires and nuts, users can discharge nuts safely without direct contact, while the covering mediates the opening and closing of discharge paths
2Device complexity
If the collecting basket is supported only by a fixed shaft in a rotatable manner, then the structure is simple, but the stability of rotation is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure merges multiple functions into the basket support assembly. The fixed shaft provides rotational support while the integrated covering mechanism with transmission assembly combines discharge control with structural support, creating a more stable multi-functional assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a purely static fixed shaft support to a dynamic system where the covering can move between open and closed states. The transmission assembly introduces controlled movement that enhances stability during operation while maintaining rotational capability
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a movable covering with transmission assembly is added for safe nut discharge, then safety hazards are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The covering and transmission assembly serve multiple functions: they control discharge openings, protect users from sharp nuts, and integrate with the rotational support structure. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by eliminating the need for separate safety mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission assembly components (connecting rods, rotating shafts, positioning blocks) are nested within the basket support structure. The covering segments are nested around the discharge openings, creating a compact integrated system that minimizes space requirements despite the added functionality
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 design ensures safe and efficient nut discharge without manual wire disassembly and improves the stability of the collecting basket, reducing safety risks and increasing the device's service life.
Implementation Method 1
The spring wires can be deformed under stress, so that the gap between two adjacent spring wires is enlarged to form a feed port with an aperture greater than the diameter of nuts
Implementation Method 2
the covering is rotatably connected to the basket support, the covering is capable of rotating relative to the basket support under the action of the pulling rope and the transmission assembly
Implementation Method 3
the first end of the pulling rope is connected to the covering through the transmission assembly, the covering is capable of rotating relative to the basket support under the action of the pulling rope and the transmission assembly
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A nut collector comprises a handle (1), a basket support (2), a collecting basket (3), and a covering (5). The collecting basket (3) comprises two fixed members (31) which are capable of rotating relative to the basket support (2) and a plurality of elastic wires (32) each connecting to the two fixed members (31) to form a basket body, the collecting basket (3) has an opening (4) for exporting nuts; the covering (5) has at least two states: in a first state, the covering (5) covers the opening (4) of the collecting basket (3) so that the collecting basket (3) can picking up nuts; in a second state, the covering (5) moves from the opening so that the opening is uncovered for the nuts collected inside the collecting basket (3) to be exported from the opening (4). The discharging operation of the nut collector of the present invention is easy and safe, the fruit farmers do not need to pull apart the elastic wires with hands.