Towable Grape Harvester with Segmented Collector for Overhead Trellis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical harvesting of grapes on overhead trellis systems is inefficient due to the need for expensive, high-maintenance self-propelled harvesters that can get stuck in muddy or uneven terrain, causing damage to vines and trellises.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical harvester with a frame, collector, and conveyor system that includes a beater for dislodging fruit, blowers for separating plant matter, and augers for depositing fruit into bins, designed to be towed behind a tractor and adaptable for overhead trellis systems, minimizing damage and operational costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If self-propelled mechanical harvesters are used for dried-on-the-vine harvesting, then harvesting efficiency is improved, but the risk of getting stuck in mud or uneven ground and causing damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The harvester is divided into separate functional modules: a towable platform with reduced weight and a detached collector assembly that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the main body to remain light and maneuverable while the collecting function is separated, preventing the entire system from getting stuck in difficult terrain.
Solution Approach 2:
The design explicitly reduces the weight of the harvester platform to prevent it from sinking into soft or uneven ground. By counterbalancing the weight issue through structural optimization and material selection, the system maintains mobility and reliability across varying terrain conditions without sacrificing harvesting capability.
2Extent of automation
If self-propelled mechanical harvesters are used, then automated harvesting is achieved, but the cost and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The harvester platform is designed with universal, simple components that can serve multiple functions. The towable design allows it to be used with different collector assemblies for various fruit types, reducing the need for specialized expensive equipment while maintaining automated harvesting capabilities through basic mechanical operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses simpler, more affordable components that can be easily replaced or repaired rather than investing in expensive, complex self-propelled machinery. The towable platform with basic mechanical collectors prioritizes cost-effectiveness and ease of maintenance over high-end automation features.
3Productivity
If heavy mechanical harvesters are used for overhead trellis harvesting, then harvesting capability is improved, but the height and weight cause the harvester to get stuck in mud or uneven ground
Solution Approach 1:
The harvesting system separates the light towable platform from the collector assembly, allowing the main body to remain low and lightweight. The collector can be positioned close to the overhead trellis wires to reach fruit effectively, while the platform itself stays low to the ground to navigate uneven terrain without getting stuck.
Solution Approach 2:
The system reaches overhead fruit not by increasing the height of the entire harvester, but by extending the collector assembly outward and upward from the low platform. This dimensional approach allows the collecting mechanism to access overhead trellis fruit while keeping the main body low and stable on the ground.
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 harvester efficiently collects fruit from overhead plants with reduced mechanical damage and operational costs, allowing for flexible harvesting schedules and easier bin unloading, making it suitable for small to medium-sized farms.
Implementation Method 1
use a series of tubes or teeth, usually made of plastic, to vibrate the plant matter and grapes for collection into bins
Implementation Method 2
one or more blowers secured to the frame and/or collector, configured to blow, move or force air over the fruit and plant matter and separate some or all of the plant matter from the fruit
Data Source
AI summary
A fruit harvester and methods of making and using the same are disclosed. The fruit harvester includes a frame and a collector connected to the frame. The collector includes a beater, one or more arms supporting the beater, one or more conveyor belts or moving beds configured to collect fruit dislodged from the plant(s) by the beater; and one or more augers configured to deposit the fruit into one or more bins held by the frame. The beater is configured to dislodge fruit and plant matter from one or more plants to which the fruit and plant matter are attached. The arm(s) are attached directly or indirectly to the frame. The conveyor belt(s) or moving bed(s) are configured to carry the fruit to the auger(s).