Pivoting Combs for Adjustable Fruit Harvester Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fruit harvesters lack an effective sorting system for efficiently separating grapes from other materials like leaves, stems, and wood debris, which can lead to inefficiencies in the harvesting and processing of grapes.
Innovation Solution
A sorting table with pivotally coupled combs and an actuator system that adjusts the spacing between sorting rollers using an electrical processing circuit, allowing for precise control of the separation process to ensure grapes are sorted effectively from other materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual adjustment mechanisms (crank or handle) are used to change comb spacing, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and adaptability are worsened due to time-consuming manual operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system (crank or handle) with an automated actuator system controlled by an electrical processing circuit. The actuator automatically adjusts the comb spacing based on pre-programmed parameters, eliminating manual intervention and significantly improving sorting productivity while maintaining structural feasibility through standardized actuator components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the comb spacing mechanism through the actuator system. The spacing between combs can be dynamically changed during operation without stopping the sorting process, allowing the system to adapt to different grape sizes and sorting requirements in real-time, thereby improving both productivity and versatility.
2Device complexity
If fixed comb spacing is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability is worsened as different grape sizes cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed comb spacing into a dynamic, adjustable system through the actuator mechanism. The electrical processing circuit controls the actuator to position combs at optimal spacings for different grape varieties and sizes, enabling the sorting table to adapt to various sorting requirements without increasing overall system complexity through modular control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables change in the geometric parameter of comb spacing through automated actuation. By programmatically adjusting the distance between combs, the system can optimize sorting gaps for different grape diameters and shapes, significantly improving adaptability while the electrical control system manages the complexity of parameter adjustment.
3Productivity
If automated actuator system is used to adjust comb spacing, then productivity and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual mechanical adjustment systems with an automated actuator controlled by an electrical processing circuit. This substitution improves productivity by eliminating manual intervention and enables precise, repeatable positioning. The electrical control system manages complexity through programmable logic that simplifies the control of multiple actuators and sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through sensors that detect grape characteristics and sorting outcomes. The electrical processing circuit uses this feedback information to automatically adjust comb spacing and actuator positions, optimizing sorting efficiency in real-time. This closed-loop control system manages complexity by using sensor data to drive automated adjustments without requiring complex manual intervention.
4Manufacturing precision
If precise control of roller spacing is implemented, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an electrical processing circuit to precisely control actuator positioning, replacing less precise manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms. This enables precise control of comb and roller spacing through digital control signals, achieving high manufacturing precision in the positioning of sorting components while managing complexity through standardized electrical control architecture.
Data Source
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AI summary
A sorting table (18) for sorting fruit includes a frame (20) with a first side member (28) and a second side member (30), a plurality of conveying rollers (22) carried by the frame (20), a plurality of sorting rollers (24) carried by the frame (20) and positioned downstream from the conveying rollers (22), and a pair of combs (38) positioned respectively with the first side member (28) or the second side member (30). Each comb (38) includes slots (40) associated with a respective one of the sorting rollers (24). The sorting table (10) is characterized in that each of the combs (38) is pivotally coupled with the corresponding first side member (28) or the second side member (30). An actuator (44) is coupled with each of the combs (38) for selectively moving the pair of combs (38) in directions transverse to the crop flow direction (26). An electrical processing circuit (56) coupled with the actuator (44) is configured for controlling the actuator (44) and thereby selectively increasing or decreasing a spacing between the sorting rollers (24).