Impact characteristics of pickling cucumber and their potential effect on mass flow rate measurement.

摘要

This paper describes the on-going work to develop and evaluate an impact type yield monitor for self-propelled and tractor-mounted cucumber harvesters. In this study, the mechanics of cucumber impacts are modeled and experimentally validated. Results indicate that impact force is affected by cucumber drop orientation, specifically axial vs. radial directions. In general, the impact characteristics are not affected by maturity. Accuracy of a prototype impact-type yield monitor could be improved by orienting fruit to produce axial impacts. Preliminary field tests with a prototype yield monitor show significant yield variations within cucumber fields and plantings.