Computer-aided design of a coffee-dragging device

Abstract

Dragging is the most costly and time-consuming stage of the coffee harvest. Therefore, its mechanization is important. The objectives of this study were to design, build, and evaluate the dynamics of a coffeedragging device in a laboratory setting. The prototype consists of a dragging device with rods mounted on a metal plate and a chassis. Computer-aided design (CAD) software was used to generate a solid second-order tetrahedral mesh for use in finite element analyses of the device and its parts. It was possible to simulate and display the device's errors and failures and generate data on part deformities, Von Mises tension, and equivalent efforts. Equations based on the Denavit-Hartenberg theory were developed to describe the dragging device kinematics, and the results obtained with these equations were compared to those for the design developed using the software program. A preliminary drawing analysis identified a lever-type system as the best configuration for the device, based on its simple construction and its ability to balance the weight of the project parts. The safety factor achieved was greater than 28. Adjustment of the vibration amplitude of the rods is possible using the eccentric shaft of the connecting rod drive. Finite element analyses was used to analyze the connecting rod and predict the likely failure points. Key words: Coffee Harvest, dragging prototype, CAD simulation ResumoNa colheita do café a etapa de derriça é a mais onerosa e que demanda maior tempo, por isso sua mecanização torna-se tão importante. Objetivou-se com este trabalho projetar, construir e avaliar a dinâmica de um dispositivo de derriça laboratorial para café. O protótipo consta de um dispositivo de derriça com hastes montadas em uma placa metálica e um chassi. O programa computacional CAD gerou uma malha sólida tetraédrica de segunda ordem por meio de análises de elementos finitos. Foi possível simular e mostrar erros ou falhas dos dispositivos e, também gerar dados, tais como a deformação da peça, tensão de Von Mises e esforços equivalentes. Para descrever a cinemática do dispositivo de derriça, foram desenvolvidas algumas equações baseadas na teoria de Denavit-Hartenberg, que foram comparadas ao projeto desenvolvido em programa computacional. A análise dos croquis apresentou o sistema tipo alavanca como a melhor configuração para o desenvolvimento do dispositivo, por ser de simples construção e que permita facilmente equilibrar as massas das peças do projeto. O fator de segurança alcançado foi superior à 28. O ajuste da amplitude de vibração das hastes foi possível com o eixo excêntrico de acionamento da biela. O estudo da biela e a previsão dos pontos de falha foi possível pela análise em elementos finitos. Palavras-chave: Colheita de café, protótipo de derriça, simulação em CAD

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