Oscillating Comb Harvesting Apparatus with Integrated Crank Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing harvesting apparatuses for small fruits like olives and almonds are limited by small working areas, structural complexity, high energy consumption, and maintenance issues due to dust penetration, which affect effectiveness and user visibility.
Innovation Solution
A harvesting apparatus with side-by-side oscillating comb-like members driven by a moderate-power motor, featuring a simplified motion transmission group with a pinion and toothed wheel mechanism that reduces thickness and enhances visibility, while minimizing dust penetration through a closed crank group design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If two comb-like members are positioned side by side to increase working area, then the working area is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase due to the motion transmission group
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the motion transmission for both comb-like members into a single integrated crank mechanism with one motor group, rather than using separate transmission systems for each comb-like member. This reduces structural complexity while maintaining the side-by-side positioning and working area of multiple combs.
Solution Approach 2:
The single motor group and crank mechanism serve multiple functions by simultaneously driving both first and second comb-like members through connecting rod members. This multi-functional design reduces overall device complexity and weight while maintaining the expanded working area provided by the side-by-side comb arrangement.
2Productivity
If a high power motor is used to achieve effective shaking action, then the shaking effectiveness is improved, but the energy consumption and apparatus weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs mechanical vibration through the oscillating motion of the comb-like members driven by the motor group and transmission mechanism. This vibration-based shaking action effectively detaches fruits from branches without requiring excessive motor power, thus reducing energy consumption while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the oscillation parameters (amplitude, frequency) of the comb-like members to achieve effective fruit detachment with moderate motor power. By carefully tuning these parameters, the system achieves high shaking effectiveness without the need for high-power motors, thereby reducing energy consumption and apparatus weight.
3Ease of manufacture
If the crank group is exposed to allow motion transmission, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but dust penetration occurs causing maintenance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a protective housing or cover (analogous to flexible shell principle) to enclose the crank group and connecting rod members, preventing dust penetration while allowing the mechanism to function. This protective enclosure maintains manufacturing simplicity while significantly reducing maintenance needs by keeping the transmission components clean.
4Reliability
If the working head thickness is increased to accommodate transmission components, then the reliability of motion transmission is improved, but the user visibility is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges the transmission components (crank group, connecting rods) in a compact configuration that minimizes the thickness of the working head in the dimension that blocks user visibility. By optimizing the spatial arrangement and using a single-integration transmission design, the system maintains reliable motion transmission while reducing the protruding thickness that would obstruct the user's view of the harvesting area.
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 achieves effective shaking of branches with reduced thickness and lower energy consumption, improving operational efficiency and reducing maintenance needs by preventing dust ingress.
Implementation Method 1
a pinion (52) mounted on a motor shaft (51) arranged to directly mesh with a toothed wheel (64) of said crank group (65) to transmit the motion
Implementation Method 2
a crank group operatively connected to the motor group and provided with an eccentric pivot arranged to pivotally engage in an engagement hole provided at the second end of the first connecting rod member
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (1) for harvesting small fruits comprises a handle portion (5) for a user and a support body (10) at which a first and a second oscillating comb-like member (20a, 20b) are pivotally connected at respective fulcrum points (23a, 23b) of a first and of a second base portion (30a, 30b). A motor group (50) operates the first and the second oscillating comb-like member (20a, 20b) by a motion transmission group (60) comprising a first connecting rod member (61a) having a first end (62a) pivotally connected to an end portion (31a) of a first elongated base portion (30a) and to a second end (63a) which connects the first connecting rod member (61a) to a crank group (65). The motion transmission group (60) comprises, furthermore, a first connecting rod member (61b) having a first end (62b) pivotally connected to an end portion (31b) of the second elongated base portion (30b) and a second end (63b) pivotally connected to the first connecting rod member (61a) in a point positioned between the first and the second end (62a, 63a).