Projeto estrutural de uma colhedora de alho para declividade variadas

Abstract

Brazil stands out in the world production of garlic, mainly cultivated by family farmers. However, there are several adversities faced by these producers in the garlic harvest, such as a low degree of mechanization, high intensity of work in sloping terrains, and a deficit in the market of machines to operate in soils with varied conditions. Public and/or industrial policies do not encourage the development of equipment for production units of family farmers since there is no great demand. Within this context, the objective was to study, delineate and analyze the structure of a new conception of machinery for garlic harvesting, capable of accessing land of 0 to 25% slope. The project was developed computationally in CAD and CAE systems. To obtain the final layout of a garlic harvester, several simulations were necessary, using techniques such as the Finite Element Method, static analysis, modal analysis, and mesh convergence. Four parts were analyzed: main structure I (front part), interface structure, garlic plant transport system structure, and main structure II (back part). Through the results, it is possible to notice that the simulations allowed predicting several work situations, helping in the reduction of time and costs with the construction of prototypes. The structural modifications that were implemented corrected the initial high voltage conditions, in addition to generating improvements in stress concentration and displacement areas. From the results obtained in the simulations, it may be noted that: i the interface structure may be more responsive to the structural dynamics and ii) frequencies above 45,7 Hz shall be avoided since there are several natural frequencies above this range that can cause structural interference. Finally, it was possible to observe that the whole structure of the garlic harvester tends to bear the loads initially proposed. Initial research can ensure that the product developed is promising. However, it is evident that further studies are needed, mainly related to the development of sensors adapted to the interface structure. In this way, it is allowed that the approximation, depth, and height between machine soil and plant is regulated, guiding angles less than 12º (which guarantee the conservation of the stem and bulb of the garlic).