Fruit Harvester Shaker Aperture Adjustment for Low Tree Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanized harvesting machines cause significant damage to citrus trees, compromising their productivity and health, particularly due to improper adjustment of the distance between shakers, which is exacerbated by the variety of tree dimensions and configurations.
Innovation Solution
A method to adjust the opening between shakers based on tree configuration and width, using specific functions to calculate an opening factor that ensures minimal damage by determining the optimal distance between shaker columns, thereby reducing branch and trunk damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the distance between shakers is reduced to improve fruit removal efficiency, then productivity increases, but tree damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the shaker distance adjustable rather than fixed. The system allows real-time modification of the opening between shakers based on tree characteristics, enabling the harvesting machine to adapt its configuration dynamically. This resolves the contradiction by allowing close shaker positioning for efficient fruit removal when trees are wide, while permitting larger openings when trees are narrow, thus maintaining productivity without causing excessive damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of shaker distance based on tree width measurements. By measuring the actual tree dimensions and adjusting the opening factor accordingly, the system optimizes the balance between fruit removal efficiency and tree damage prevention. This parameter adjustment ensures that shakers are positioned optimally for each specific tree configuration.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the opening between shakers is increased to reduce tree damage, then tree integrity is maintained, but fruit removal efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the shaker opening based on real-time tree width measurements. When narrow trees are detected, the opening is increased to prevent damage while maintaining adequate fruit removal capability. When wide trees are encountered, the opening is reduced to maximize fruit removal efficiency. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between tree protection and harvesting productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the opening factor based on measured tree characteristics. The system calculates an optimal opening that balances tree damage prevention with fruit removal efficiency for each specific tree configuration, thereby resolving the trade-off between these two competing objectives.
3Ease of operation
If fixed shaker distance is used to simplify machine operation, then ease of operation is maintained, but adaptability to different tree configurations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the harvesting machine to automatically measure tree width and calculate the optimal shaker opening factor without requiring manual intervention. The system self-adjusts based on real-time measurements, maintaining ease of operation while achieving high adaptability to different tree configurations. This automated self-adjustment eliminates the complexity of manual positioning while providing customized optimization for each tree.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically changes operational parameters (shaker opening distance) based on measured tree characteristics. This automated parameter adjustment maintains operational simplicity for the operator while achieving precise adaptation to varying tree configurations, resolving the contradiction between ease of use and adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a novel method to adjust the opening of the shakers of a citrus fruit harvester, which comprises technical and functional features designed to ensure that the shakers are in proper condition to obtain fruit removal in a productive manner, mainly avoiding and/or reducing damage to the branches and trunks of trees. More particularly, the present method may be summarized by the following steps: identifying and defining the type of configuration of the trees (A) to be harvested; measurement of the widths (W) of these trees; definition of the damage level considered adequate, desirable and acceptable; calculation of the opening factor (F); determination of the distance "X" between said shakers; and based on this distance "X", adjusting said opening (P). The present invention also relates to a harvesting machine (M) capable of performing the present method to adjust the opening between the shakers.