What it does
Thrust amplification tool that uses a spring-based mechanism and rack-and-pinion system to store and release energy. We aim to reduce the manual effort and increase productivity for palm oil fruit cutting on palm oil trees higher than 5 m.
Your inspiration
The palm oil industry is vital to Malaysia’s economy, but harvesting remains largely manual, especially for trees over 5 m tall. This causes low efficiency, high labour demand, and economic losses due to delayed harvesting. Current machines struggle with trees above 5 m because of terrain diversity and uneven tree heights. Research shows the mean palm height is 10.5 m and rising yearly, highlighting the urgent need for new inventions to ease the harvesting process.
How it works
We proposed a thrust amplification tool that can be retrofitted into conventional harvesting pole to solve this issue. Conceptually, this tool serves to store energy and deliver the thrust needed when the harvesting pole in operation. The thrust force will be stored in a spring-latch mechanism. The energy needed in this thrust storing process will be motorised where it extends the spring to store tension force. A latch mechanism is done to hold the spring in place. When the user is ready to cut the palm oil fruits, the latch will be released, and intensive energy will be released immediately to cut and prune the palm oil fruits.
Design process
We conducted market surveys with local farmers to understand their needs for harvesting tools. We undergone concept design funnel, CAD modelling, engineering calculation and analysis, materials selection and prototyping processes. Testing was conducted in controlled conditions to examine the performance of the product during operation. We created a scaled-down version of prototype using acrylic board and 3D printed parts to demonstrate the working mechanism. We fabricated the casing of the tool using acrylic board while the internal moving parts were fabricated using 3D printing technology. In this prototype, we did not demonstrate the use of motorised gear but we opted for manual gear as we aim to proof the spring-latch mechanism first. We also connected a handle to the bottom part of the structure and fix a hook on the upper part of the structure. The components were done so that we are able to conduct quantitative testing using force gauge to measure the additional thrust that can be generated by the product.
How it is different
Our design is unique because it directly overcomes the limitations of existing motorised cutters for palm oil harvesting. While tools like Cantas can only reach trees up to 5 m, our tool is designed to provide the necessary thrust to harvest fruits from trees higher than 5 m, addressing the actual average tree height in Malaysia, which is 10.5 m. Unlike robotic harvesters, which are expensive and unsuitable for plantations with tight spaces or uneven terrain, our tool offers a low-cost, simpler, and more maintainable solution. It uses a spring-latch thrust amplification mechanism and can be retrofitted onto conventional harvesting poles. This allows it to reduce reliance on high-powered engines and complex electronics while providing flexibility and ease of use across various plantation conditions.
Future plans
While the current prototype shows the core concept of reducing manual cutting effort, several enhancements are planned. The structure will be upgraded from acrylic to 6061 aluminum and high-carbon steel for reliable field testing and direct use with existing harvesting poles. A small motor with a rechargeable battery will automate the extension mechanism, reducing manual effort. A button-activated latch release will provide user control, while field testing will increase the percentage of additional force generated.
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