Synchronized Shaker Head for Trunk Harvesters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trunk shaker mechanisms for over the row harvesters require heavy weights and complex synchronization systems, leading to increased vibration, weight, and maintenance needs, as well as reduced efficiency in transferring shaking energy to the plants.
Innovation Solution
A trunk shaker apparatus with synchronized, independently driven motor assemblies that mount directly on engagement members, using offset weights on rotary discs to impart oscillation, reducing the weight and mass required for the shaker head and harvester chassis, while maintaining efficient energy transfer to the plants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If force balanced shakers are used to dislodge fruit, then effective fruit removal is achieved, but the required mass of weights imparts unwanted vibration and forces to the chassis
Solution Approach 1:
The shaker mechanism is divided into multiple independently driven shaker heads, each with its own motor and weight assembly. This segmentation allows each shaker head to be optimized for its specific function while reducing the overall harmful vibrations transmitted to the chassis compared to a single large force balanced shaker.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical force balanced shaker mechanisms with electronically controlled independent motor assemblies. Each motor is independently controlled to generate the necessary shaking forces, eliminating the need for complex mechanical force balancing and reducing unwanted vibrations transmitted to the chassis.
2Volume of moving object
If weights are mounted in an overhead position, then the shaker mechanism can be compact, but the drive and oscillations are moved closer to the harvester chassis and further from the trunk, reducing energy transfer efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
Each shaker head is positioned locally at the engagement point with the plant trunk, optimizing the energy transfer directly at the point of contact. This local positioning ensures that the shaking energy is applied directly where it is needed, maximizing the effectiveness of the harvesting operation.
3Force
If greater weight is used in the drive mechanism, then the shaking force is increased, but the shaker frame and assembly require to be stronger and heavier to dampen the desired movement
Solution Approach 1:
The shaker heads are designed with adjustable weight assemblies that can be dynamically configured to provide the necessary shaking force. The independent motor control allows for dynamic adjustment of the shaking characteristics, eliminating the need for a permanently heavy and rigid frame structure.
4Stability of the object's composition
If mechanical synchronization is used to synchronize drive assemblies, then the oscillation can be coordinated, but the weight of the synchronization system increases and more reactive force is passed from the shaker head
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical synchronization systems with electronic control systems. Each shaker head is equipped with an independent motor that is electronically synchronized through a control unit, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical synchronization mechanisms and reducing the reactive forces transmitted to the harvester frame.
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 solution results in a lighter, more efficient harvester with reduced vibration and maintenance requirements, as it effectively imparts shaking forces directly to the plants with less reactive force passed to the harvester chassis, enhancing overall efficiency and reducing the need for a strong, heavy shaker frame.
Implementation Method 1
Each drive assembly includes an independently driven motor driving a rotary disc having weights offset from the center of the rotational axis
Implementation Method 2
The motor speed and position are synchronized with one another so that all weights extend to the left or right side at the same time
Implementation Method 3
This synchronization of the weights imparts a lateral shaking motion to the shaker assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A trunk shaker harvester includes a shaker assembly with four synchronized shaker drives. The shaker drives are mounted on a frame of trunk engagement members. The shaker drives include offset weights that are synchronized so that all are directed to the left or right side at the same time. However, the front and rear motors on each side of the drive rotate in the opposite direction so that the weights face toward or away from one another at the same time and cancel out longitudinal forces.