Optimization and Experimental Study of Structural Parameters for a Low-Damage Packing Device on an Apple Harvesting Platform

To address the issues of low efficiency and high damage rates during apple harvesting and packing, a parameter optimization experiment was conducted on a low-damage packing device for an apple harvesting platform based on Adams 2019 software. The aim was to reduce the mechanical damage to apples during the packing process. Firstly, kinematics and energetics analyses of the apple packing process were performed, and a mathematical model for damage energy was established to identify the main factors and their ranges that influence the mechanical damage to apples. Secondly, using the fruit damage rate and packing efficiency as the evaluation criteria, a second-order orthogonal rotating regression experiment was conducted with the inclination angle of the fruit conveying tube, the inner wall radius of the fruit conveying tube, and the length of the fruit conveying tube as the experimental factors. Regression mathematical models were established to assess the relationship between the evaluation criteria and the experimental factors. Finally, the impact of each experimental factor on the evaluation criteria was analyzed to determine the optimal structural parameters for the low-damage packing device of the apple harvesting platform, and validation experiments were conducted. The results showed that when the inclination angle of the fruit conveying tube was 47°, the inner wall radius of the fruit conveying tube was 84 mm and the length of the fruit conveying tube was 0.12 m, the average fruit damage rate was minimized at 7.2%, and the average packing efficiency was maximized at 1925 kg/h. These results meet the requirements for apple harvesting operations, and the research findings can serve as a reference for the structural design and packing operation parameter optimization of apple harvesting platforms.