Olive Picking Shaker with Segmented Comb Sectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing olive picking apparatuses have bulk dimensions and weight, making them difficult to maneuver and potentially damaging to trees, with inefficient foliage interaction and increased risk of branch damage due to unbalanced actuation.
Innovation Solution
A compact olive picking apparatus with a shaker unit featuring a comb sector and drive unit that provides a combined swinging motion, utilizing a support structure with teeth constrained in a sleeve and articulated joint for efficient branch interaction, and a versatile actuation device with conical gear means for robust and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional beaters with long and narrow shaker elements are used, then the picking operation can be performed, but the apparatus has considerable bulk dimensions and weight making insertion between branches difficult and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The shaker element is divided into multiple comb sectors (typically 3-5) arranged radially around a central axis, each comb sector being a compact structure with teeth. This segmentation allows the overall apparatus to have a reduced radial footprint while maintaining effective picking coverage through the distributed comb sectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The comb sectors are arranged in a nested configuration where they share a common central axis and are positioned within a compact cylindrical housing. The combs can be retracted into the housing when not in use, further reducing the effective volume and facilitating easy insertion between tree branches.
2Productivity
If traditional beaters are used to shake branches, then fruit detachment is achieved, but the apparatus causes undesired vibrations and potential damage to branches due to unbalanced actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The comb sectors are positioned asymmetrically around the central axis with varying angular spacing, and their actuation is synchronized with phase differences. This asymmetric configuration balances the vibrational forces generated during operation, preventing unwanted oscillations and reducing the risk of branch damage while maintaining effective fruit detachment.
Solution Approach 2:
Each comb sector is actuated in a periodic oscillating motion at controlled frequencies and amplitudes. The periodic actuation of multiple combs with coordinated phase relationships creates a balanced vibrational pattern that efficiently detaches fruit while minimizing harmful vibrations on the branches.
3Device complexity
If traditional beaters with simple shaker elements are used, then the structure is simple, but the apparatus does not allow uniform and efficient action on the foliage, increasing the risk of damaging plants
Solution Approach 1:
Each comb sector is equipped with teeth of specific dimensions, spacing, and orientation optimized for local interaction with branches and foliage. The comb sectors can be independently adjusted or replaced to match different tree types and fruit characteristics, providing localized optimization while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
4Strength
If traditional beaters with heavy construction are used, then the apparatus is robust, but the weight makes manual carrying and operation difficult for the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The housing and structural components utilize thin-walled but high-strength materials and optimized cross-sectional geometries. The cylindrical housing provides structural integrity and protection for internal components while maintaining minimal wall thickness, significantly reducing weight without compromising robustness. The support rod and connecting elements are designed with optimized profiles that provide necessary strength at minimal weight.
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 allows for efficient and safe olive picking with reduced risk of tree damage, improved foliage coverage, and easier operation, while being easy to assemble and maintain.
Implementation Method 1
gear means of the conical type suitable to transmit the motion from a motor shaft coaxial to the support rod of the apparatus
Implementation Method 2
The support structure of the teeth is further constrained to the fixed box in a portion axially distanced from such a transverse axis by means of an articulated joint
Data Source
AI summary
The apparatus for picking olives and the like comprises a support rod (2) suitable to be grasped; a shaker unit (3) comprising a containment box (7) suitable to be mounted at the top of the support rod (2); at least one comb sector (6, 60) shaping a support structure (9, 99) for a plurality of teeth (10), carried mobile by the containment box (7); a motor member for actuating the comb sector (6, 60) in a substantially swinging motion. The support structure (9, 99) is constrained rotatably in a sleeve (12, 120, 121) hinged to the containment box (7) at a transverse axis (13), so as to produce a first swinging motion of the support structure (9, 99) about the transverse axis (13). The support structure (9, 99) of the teeth (10) is further constrained to the containment box (7) at a portion distal to the sleeve (12, 120, 121) by means of an articulated joint (18), in such a way as to produce a second swinging motion of the support structure (9, 99) about its longitudinal axis.