Design of conveyor separation device for potato harvester and analysis of its vibration characteristics

In view of the influence of vibration factors on the vibration characteristics of potato harvester, to study the effect of vibration parameters on the dynamic characteristics of the system and harvested potato quality, in this paper an indoor conveyor separation device for potato harvester with adjustable two-way synchronous conveying vibration parameters was designed. The device, with double-side chain drive to improve conveying efficiency and replaceable eccentric parts to change vibration parameters, allows the system to harvest potatoes under optimal working conditions. A simulation analysis of a dynamics model of the system, which was first established, was carried out. A potato soil separation test was conducted using the vibration testing system and acceleration sensor, and its data was compared with the simulation data to verify the correctness of the model. The results showed that the eccentricity, rotation speed, and inclination had an impact on the potato-soil separation rate and the vibration of the system. The analysis showed that the system had a higher potato-soil separation rate and slighter vibration under optimal working conditions, that is, eccentricity of 0.023 m, rotation speed of 130 r/min, and inclination of 26∘.