Table 1 Components and design considerations of the self-propelled battery-operated leafy vegetable harvester.
Component | Description |
|---|---|
Design considerations | Agronomical considerations for the design of the harvesting unit, functional requirements, and theoretical power calculations |
Cutting unit | Design: Simple construction, fast cutting, and minimal crop damage |
Width: 1000 mm, Thickness: 2 mm, Working Principle: Reciprocating blades for efficient cutting | |
Carriage section | Specifications: Length 1050 mm, Width 25.4 mm, Thickness 4 mm, Material: Mild steel |
Structural Design: Welded to the main frame, adjustable height | |
Main frame | Material: MS channels, angles, square sections, rectangular sections, flat plates |
Dimensions: Length 1760 mm, Width 1130 mm | |
Design Considerations: Robust, capable of handling uneven terrain | |
Wheels | Front Wheels: Adjustable caster wheels with sliding mechanism |
Rear Wheels: Two pneumatic tires for heavy loads | |
Specifications: Diameter: Front 152.4 mm, Rear 380 mm; Section Width: Front 30 mm, Rear 90 mm | |
Reel unit | Construction: Bright bar with six bars arranged at 60-degree intervals. Specifications: Diameter 320 mm, Length 980 mm, Weight 9 kg |
Working Principle: Guides crop towards the conveyor belt and cutter bar | |
Conveying unit | Specifications: Length 3000 mm, Width 1000 mm, Weight 5.5 kg |
Design: Positioned on two rollers, slight incline for efficient conveying. Working Principle: Conveys cut material to storage unit | |
BLDC motor | Specifications: Item code BLDC800, Input voltage 48 V, Power 900 W, No load speed 3400 rpm, Load speed 3300 rpm, Torque 3 NM |
Integration: Mounted in the center of the frame | |
Battery | Type: Lead acid battery |
Specifications: Model name Exide Power Safe Plus Ep 26–12, Capacity 12 Volts 26 Ah, Weight 8.8 kg | |
Configuration: Four batteries connected in series to produce 48 V | |
Controller | Specifications: Voltage 48 V, Current 50 ± 1 Amp, Material Aluminium, Weight 1.5 kg, Rated power 900–1100 W |
Working Principle: Regulates and coordinates various components to achieve efficient and precise operation | |
Handle | Design Criteria: Ergonomic design, adjustable height, cylindrical shape |
Specifications: Height 1050 mm, Length 710 mm, Diameter 22.2 mm | |
Material: Steel | |
Anthropometric Data: Acromial height, grip diameter | |
Throttle | Selection Criteria: Diameter and length suitable for operator’s grip |
Specifications: Voltage 5 V, Inside diameter 22 mm, Wire length 1430 mm, Current 5–10 Amp, Material High-quality ABS raw PVC | |
Power transmission | Components: Pulleys, V-belt, Idlers, Shafts, Chain and Sprocket |
Design: Facilitates the transfer of energy from the BLDC motor to specific components such as the main shaft and back wheel | |
Working Principle: Ensures efficient operation of the harvester |
