Handheld Seed Harvester Quick-Release Reel Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional handheld seed harvesters are not adaptable for harvesting seeds from different varieties of plants, as they are often configured for specific height ranges and equipped with a single type of seed-stripping mechanism, limiting their versatility.

Innovation Solution

A handheld seed harvester design featuring a modular quick-release mechanism with interchangeable reels and hopper bags, allowing for adjustable configuration to accommodate various plant types, including a drive roller with lugs or set screws for secure engagement with reels, and a pivotable hopper for optimal seed collection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional handheld seed harvesters are configured for specific height ranges and equipped with a single type of seed-stripping mechanism, then the device structure is simplified and easier to manufacture, but the adaptability for harvesting seeds from different varieties of plants is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability for harvesting seeds from different varieties of plantsVSAvoiddevice structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The harvester is divided into modular components including interchangeable reels with different filament configurations, adjustable height mechanisms, and separable seed collection containers. This segmentation allows operators to quickly swap between different reel types and adjust the harvester height to match various plant varieties, thereby improving adaptability without permanently increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The harvester incorporates universal mounting interfaces and standardized connection points that allow a single base unit to accommodate multiple types of reels and accessories. The quick-release mechanism enables one tool to perform multiple harvesting functions across different plant types, achieving versatility while keeping the core device structure relatively simple and manufacturable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional handheld seed harvesters use fixed configurations, then manufacturing and operation are simpler, but the ability to operate in diverse environments and with different plant types is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveversatility across different environments and plant typesVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The harvester incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities including height adjustment mechanisms and interchangeable reel systems that allow the device to adapt its configuration based on the specific harvesting task. These dynamic features enable operation across diverse environments and plant types while maintaining ease of operation through straightforward adjustment procedures and quick-change mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional equipment is used to harvest seeds from different plant varieties, then harvesting capability is improved, but operator fatigue increases and harvesting efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveharvesting capability for different plant varietiesVSAvoidharvesting efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple harvesting functions and capabilities are merged into a single handheld device through the integration of interchangeable reels, adjustable height mechanisms, and universal mounting systems. This consolidation eliminates the need for operators to switch between multiple separate tools or equipment, thereby maintaining harvesting capability across different plant varieties while improving efficiency by reducing equipment changes and operator fatigue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables efficient and adaptable seed harvesting from diverse plant species without the need for additional equipment, reducing operator fatigue and improving harvesting efficiency across different environments.

Implementation Method 1

The end of the open-faced hopper housing opposite the end attached to the bevel gear housing is provided with a spring-loaded idler facing the drive roller. The drive roller and spring-loaded idler are configured to cooperate as a quick-release mechanism for rotatably and demountably engaging the ends of an elongate reel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS11903341B2Portable operator-engageable native seed harvester

Publication Date: 2024.02.20 GREAT PLAINS RESTORATION SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

Disclosed herein are handheld seed harvesters comprising: an elongate handle housing a driveshaft; a motor engaged with the elongate handle and the driveshaft; a reel rotatably and demountably engaged with the elongate handle and driveshaft by way of a quick-release system at an end opposite the motor, the reel having a plurality of filaments for removing seeds from plants extending outward therefrom; a hopper partially housing the reel for collecting the seeds; a handle assembly secured to the elongate handle and the hopper; and a shoulder strap securable to the elongate handle for carrying the harvester.