Industrial Archaeology Applied to the Study of an Ancient Harvesting Machine: Three-Dimensional Modelling and Virtual Reconstruction

José Ignacio Rojas-Sola, Gloria del Río-Cidoncha and Ángel Coronil-García
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José Ignacio Rojas-Sola: Department of Engineering Graphics, Design and Projects, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain
Gloria del Río-Cidoncha: Department of Engineering Graphics, University of Seville, 41092 Seville, Spain
Ángel Coronil-García: University of Seville, 41092 Seville, Spain

Agriculture, 2020, vol. 10, issue 8, 1-23

Abstract: This article shows the three-dimensional (3D) modelling and virtual reconstruction of an ancient harvesting machine developed at the beginning of the 19th century. SolidWorks software is employed to obtain the 3D model of this historical invention and its geometric documentation. The original material for the research is available on a farm located in the province of Cádiz (Spain). Thanks to the three-dimensional modelling performed, both its operation and the final assembly of this invention can be explained in detail in a coherent way. Having carried out the functional analysis, it can be verified that the machine combines well-performed chain-sprocket transmissions, which, together with complex gearboxes with parallel and bevel gears, make this reaper a very reliable machine. Furthermore, the inclusion of elements such as gimbal joints on shafts with possible misalignments, and clutches to adapt the operation of the machine to the needs of the operator, makes it highly versatile and functional without over-exerting the mechanics. From a technical point of view, the complex transmission systems, the perfect synchronization achieved between all its parts, and the combination of continuous oscillatory movements, such as that of sheaf compactors with intermittent movements as complex as that of the knotting system, are all worthy of note, and reveal the great work of engineering involved in this historical invention.

Keywords: harvesting machine; computer-aided design; geometric modelling; virtual reconstruction; industrial heritage; industrial archaeology; McCormick (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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