Design and Experimental Study of Banana Bunch Transportation Device with Lifting Mechanism and Automatic Bottom-Fixing Fruit Shaft

Weiqin Li, Zhou Yang, Xing Xu, Weixi Li, Xingkang Mo, Jiaxiang Yu and Jieli Duan ()
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Weiqin Li: College of Engineering, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
Zhou Yang: College of Engineering, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
Xing Xu: College of Engineering, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
Weixi Li: College of Engineering, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
Xingkang Mo: College of Engineering, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
Jiaxiang Yu: College of Engineering, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
Jieli Duan: College of Engineering, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China

Agriculture, 2024, vol. 14, issue 7, 1-20

Abstract: In addressing the challenges of high labor intensity, cost, and potential mechanical damage to banana fruit in orchards, this study presents the design of a banana bunch transport device featuring a lifting mechanism and an automatic fruit shaft bottom-fixing system. The device is tailored to the planting and morphological characteristics of banana bunches, aiming for efficient, low-loss, and labor-saving mechanized transport. Key design considerations included the anti-overturning mechanism and the lifting system based on transportation conditions and the physical dimensions of banana bunches. A dynamic simulation was conducted to analyze the angular velocity and acceleration during the initial conveying stages, forming the basis for the fruit shaft bottom-fixation mechanism. A novel horizontal multi-point scanning method was developed to accurately identify and secure the fruit shaft bottom, complemented by an automated control system. Experimental results showed a 95.83% success rate in identification and fixation, validated by field trials that confirmed the necessity and stability of the fixation mechanism. To enhance the durability of the fruit shaft bottom-fixation mechanism, a multi-factor test was conducted, optimizing the device’s maximum travel speed and minimizing the banana bunch’s oscillation angle. Field tests showed an oscillation angle of 8.961°, closely matching the simulated result of 9.526°, demonstrating the reliability of the response surface analysis model. This study offers a practical and efficient solution for banana bunch transport in orchards, showcasing significant practical value and potential for wider adoption.

Keywords: transportation of banana bunches; high efficiency and low loss; anti-overturning; dynamic simulation; fruit shaft bottom fixation; pendulum angle (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: 2024
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