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

Author

Listed:
  • Weiqin Li

    (College of Engineering, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
    Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China)

  • Zhou Yang

    (College of Engineering, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
    Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
    School of Mechanical Engineering, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China)

  • Xing Xu

    (College of Engineering, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
    Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China)

  • Weixi Li

    (College of Engineering, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
    Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China)

  • Xingkang Mo

    (College of Engineering, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
    Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China)

  • Jiaxiang Yu

    (College of Engineering, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
    Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China)

  • Jieli Duan

    (College of Engineering, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
    Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Weiqin Li & Zhou Yang & Xing Xu & Weixi Li & Xingkang Mo & Jiaxiang Yu & Jieli Duan, 2024. "Design and Experimental Study of Banana Bunch Transportation Device with Lifting Mechanism and Automatic Bottom-Fixing Fruit Shaft," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-20, July.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:14:y:2024:i:7:p:1161-:d:1436166
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rosa E. A. Nascimento & Mónica Carvalheira & João G. Crespo & Luísa A. Neves, 2023. "Extraction and Characterization of Cellulose Obtained from Banana Plant Pseudostem," Clean Technol., MDPI, vol. 5(3), pages 1-16, August.
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