Rotatable Gripper Apparatus for Selective Crop Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual labor-intensive methods for harvesting crops like strawberries are inefficient and costly due to the delicate nature of the crops and seasonal labor shortages, leading to increased costs and waste.
Innovation Solution
A robotic harvesting system with a rotatable picking apparatus featuring adjustable grippers that can selectively pick ripe crops while leaving unripe ones on the plant, utilizing a combination of mechanical and computer-controlled mechanisms for precise crop selection and handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual labor is used for harvesting crops, then selective picking of ripe crops can be achieved, but labor costs increase and productivity decreases due to seasonal labor shortages and high demand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of laborers with an automated robotic system that uses computer vision and automated grippers to perform harvesting operations, thereby maintaining selective picking capability while dramatically improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system performs harvesting operations autonomously without human intervention in the actual picking process, with the machine serving itself to identify, approach, and harvest crops based on programmed criteria
2Ease of operation
If manual labor is used for harvesting, then crops can be selectively harvested, but labor costs increase due to high seasonal demand and limited labor force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes human labor with an automated robotic system, eliminating the need for seasonal laborers and their associated costs while maintaining the ability to selectively harvest ripe crops
3Productivity
If automated harvesting is implemented, then productivity increases, but the system becomes more complex and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic harvesting system is divided into distinct functional modules including computer vision subsystem, navigation subsystem, gripper mechanism, and control system, allowing for easier manufacturing, maintenance, and replacement of individual components
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic platform is designed with universal components that can be applied across different crop types and harvesting scenarios, reducing overall system complexity through standardized parts and procedures
Data Source
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AI summary
Various embodiments include a device for selectively harvesting crops on a plant. The device can include a picking apparatus. The picking apparatus can be rotatable around a central axis. The picking apparatus can include a plurality of grippers each spaced apart and extending radially from the central axis, and each configured to pick a different individual one of the crops. Each of the plurality of grippers can be adjustable between an open position and a closed position. Each of the plurality of grippers can be configured in the open position to open around the individual crop. Each of the plurality of grippers can be configured in the closed position to securely hold the individual crop when the picking apparatus is rotated around the central axis. Other embodiments are provided.