Olive Beating Apparatus with Phase-Shifted Oscillating Sectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current beating apparatuses for olives and similar fruits often cause damage due to antagonist actions of oscillating sectors, which inhibit effective shaking of branches, and require complex mechanical transmissions that make them heavy and difficult to use.
Innovation Solution
A beating apparatus with diverging carbon fiber rods and a phase-shifted oscillating mechanism, connected via linkage elements to a crank element actuated by an electric motor, ensuring simultaneous and coordinated action of oscillating sectors to avoid antagonist forces and simplify the design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If symmetrical oscillating sectors are used to shake branches, then the beating coverage is improved, but the antagonist action between sectors inhibits the shaking effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetrical oscillating sectors that are positioned at different angular locations and oscillate with different phases, eliminating the antagonist action problem of symmetrical sectors while maintaining comprehensive branch coverage. The asymmetrical configuration allows each sector to act on different portions of the branch without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic phase shifting between oscillating sectors, where the oscillation phase of each sector is independently controlled to optimize the shaking effect on branches at different positions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to varying branch configurations and maintain effective beating throughout the coverage area.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical transmission is used to connect motor to oscillating sectors, then the oscillation control is improved, but the apparatus becomes heavy and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical transmission systems with direct-drive oscillating mechanisms, where the motor is directly coupled to the oscillating sectors through simplified linkages. This substitution maintains precise oscillation control while dramatically reducing the weight and complexity of the transmission system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates intermediate transmission components from the system, using direct motor-to-sector coupling where possible. This removal of unnecessary mechanical elements simplifies the overall structure while preserving the essential oscillation control function.
3Force
If symmetrical oscillating sectors act simultaneously on branches, then the beating intensity is improved, but damage to branches occurs due to antagonist forces
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetrical positioning and phasing of oscillating sectors ensure that they act on different portions of the branch simultaneously, avoiding the concentration of antagonist forces that occurs with symmetrical sectors. This distribution of forces maintains high beating intensity while preventing branch damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic oscillation with carefully controlled phases for each sector, creating a rhythmic beating pattern that alternates the action on different branch sections. This periodic action prevents sustained antagonist forces on any single location, reducing the risk of branch damage while maintaining effective fruit removal.
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 apparatus effectively shakes branches without causing damage, is lightweight, easy to maneuver, and durable due to its simplified structure and reliable gear train mechanism, enhancing fruit removal efficiency while reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
motor means (18) actuate the symmetrical oscillation of the oscillating sectors
Implementation Method 2
a linkage element (16) which functionally interconnects a crank element (17) to the oscillating sector (14) in order to impart thereto, during use, an oscillating motion
Implementation Method 3
the rods (15) are made of carbon fibers, have a tubular structure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A beating apparatus (10), particularly for beating olives and the like, comprising: - an elongated handle (11), which is provided, at a working end (12), with a supporting body (13) to which at least one oscillating sector (14) provided with beating rods (15) is articulated, - at least one linkage element (16) which functionally interconnects at least one crank element (17) to the at least one oscillating sector (14) in order to impart thereto, during use, an oscillating motion. The crank element (17) is functionally connected to motor means (18) in order to be actuated thereby during use.