Structural design and analysis of an automatic pineapple picking and collecting straddle machine

Abstract To maximize economic returns and reduce damages to the fruit and plant, an automatic straddle harvester for pineapples was designed, based on the planting mode and growth characteristics of the pineapple. The machine is composed of a picking manipulator, fruit transport and collection device, continuous track, and control system. The physical characteristics of pineapple fruits were investigated, and the overall structure and size of the automatic pineapple picking and collecting machine were designed based on the growth characteristics and the planting mode of the pineapple plant. SolidWorks was used for virtual modeling and then the different parts were designed based on parameters, such as the dimensions and power of the track chassis. Simulation analysis on the frame base and manipulator revealed that with a cutting sawtooth speed of 1200 r/min the cutting efficiency of the pineapple picking manipulator can reach 1636 plants/hour, i.e., double the manual cutting efficiency.