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Parameter Optimization and Experimental Study of an Apple Postharvest Damage-Reducing Conveyor Device Based on Airflow Cushioning Technology

Author

Listed:
  • Yang Li

    (College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China)

  • Kuo Zhang

    (College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China)

  • Jianping Li

    (College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China
    Hebei Province Smart Agriculture Equipment Technology Innovation Center, Baoding 071001, China)

  • Xin Yang

    (College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China
    Hebei Province Smart Agriculture Equipment Technology Innovation Center, Baoding 071001, China)

  • Pengfei Wang

    (College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China
    Hebei Province Smart Agriculture Equipment Technology Innovation Center, Baoding 071001, China)

  • Hongjie Liu

    (College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China
    Hebei Province Smart Agriculture Equipment Technology Innovation Center, Baoding 071001, China)

Abstract

This study addresses inefficiencies in manual apple harvesting and high damage rates in mechanical methods by developing an airflow-cushioned conveyor to minimize postharvest losses. Analyzing apple dynamics in pipelines and collision mechanics identified three key damage factors: fruit size, conveyor linear velocity, and airflow speed. A Box–Behnken-designed response surface model linked these parameters to damage area and collision force. The results showed optimal settings for small (grade III: 11 m/min, 18.2 m/s; 34.24 mm 2 , 8.7 N), medium (grade II: 11 m/min, 19.01 m/s; 48.62 mm 2 , 9.52 N), and large apples (grade I: 11 m/min, 19.3 m/s; 67.01 mm 2 , 10.34 N). Under the optimal parameters, the damage rate for grade I apples was only 12%, while grade II apples had a 0% damage rate, fully meeting the grade II standards. This damage rate was significantly lower than the over 50% damage rate observed in vibration harvesting. Additionally, the harvesting speed using the optimized device increased by more than twice compared to traditional manual harvesting. The findings provide an engineering case for balancing fruit quality maintenance and harvesting speed improvement.

Suggested Citation

  • Yang Li & Kuo Zhang & Jianping Li & Xin Yang & Pengfei Wang & Hongjie Liu, 2025. "Parameter Optimization and Experimental Study of an Apple Postharvest Damage-Reducing Conveyor Device Based on Airflow Cushioning Technology," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-23, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:15:y:2025:i:8:p:860-:d:1635440
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Hongwei Zhang & Wei Ji & Bo Xu & Xiaowei Yu, 2024. "Optimizing Contact Force on an Apple Picking Robot End-Effector," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-16, June.
    2. Zachariah Rutledge & Pierre Mérel, 2023. "Farm labor supply and fruit and vegetable production," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 105(2), pages 644-673, March.
    3. Bor-Jiunn Wen & Che-Chih Yeh, 2022. "Automatic Fruit Harvesting Device Based on Visual Feedback Control," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 12(12), pages 1-17, November.
    4. Zhanglei Yan & Yuwei Wu & Wenbo Zhao & Shao Zhang & Xu Li, 2025. "Research on an Apple Recognition and Yield Estimation Model Based on the Fusion of Improved YOLOv11 and DeepSORT," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-25, April.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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